Paralegal Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $27.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Richardson, TX runs $27.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richardson, Texas, the paralegal hourly pay is projected at $27.49 for 2026, which presents a notable contrast to the national median hourly rate of $31.30. This discrepancy suggests that paralegals in Richardson may not be capturing the same level of compensation as their counterparts elsewhere in the country. For part-time professionals working three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates into a steady source of income, particularly in environments like law firm offices, corporate legal departments, and government agency support roles. Furthermore, the hourly range varies significantly from $18.30 for entry-level positions to $42.62 for top earners in the field, providing a spectrum that reflects both experience levels and specific job responsibilities within the paralegal landscape.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.30 | $146.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.44 |
| Median (P50) | $27.49 | $219.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.99 | $279.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $27.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.49/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $57,184 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,991. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.69 | $4,765 | $57,184 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.81 | $2,859 | $34,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.88 | $1,906 | $22,874 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Richardson) | $27.49 |
| Lawyer (National Avg) | $81.25 |
| Legal Secretary (National Avg) | $26.86 |
| Court Reporter (National Avg) | $30.10 |
| Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg) | $29.85 |
Paralegals in Richardson, TX earn a median of $57,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.16% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $56,502.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.49/hr = $34,310/year (purchasing power: $35,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,184/year (purchasing power: $59,567).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Richardson grew 21.6% from $21.85/hr (2019) to $26.56/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Paralegal in Richardson
While the base hourly compensation offers a foundational understanding of potential earnings, part-time schedules can yield different results. A paralegal working 24 hours a week earns approximately $34,190 annually, which can be a preferable choice for those seeking flexibility. On the flip side, per diem paralegal pay in Richardson can fluctuate widely, with some contract work billing between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on the project's requirements and negotiation. Specialized roles, such as e-discovery reviews or trial preparation, often command rates ranging from $30 to $90 per hour, reflecting the demand for specific skills and experience levels. Additionally, hourly wages can differ based on the type of employer—BigLaw firms may offer higher pay but demand longer hours, while corporate legal departments tend to provide a better work-life balance. Paralegals considering their compensation should also weigh the benefits, such as healthcare and retirement plans versus higher hourly pay without those perks, and be prepared to negotiate effectively based on their unique circumstances and expertise within the legal field.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for paralegals in Richardson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov