Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $27.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bristol, VA runs $27.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the paralegal hourly pay stands at $27.60, which is significantly lower than the national average of $31.30 per hour. This disparity suggests that paralegals in Bristol may face unique market dynamics or cost-of-living challenges. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates into an annual take-home of approximately $43,404, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking flexible work arrangements. The hourly range, extending from $20.90 for entry-level positions to $42.05 for seasoned professionals, reflects the growth potential within the profession. Typical settings for paralegal work in Bristol include law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices, where roles can vary from filing and administrative support to specialized functions like e-discovery.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.90 | $167.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.59 | $180.69 |
| Median (P50) | $27.60 | $220.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.38 | $275.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.05 | $336.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $27.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.60/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $57,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,115. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,103.83 | $4,783 | $57,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.30 | $2,870 | $34,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.53 | $1,913 | $22,960 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Bristol) | $27.60 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $57,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.82% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.40% below the Virginia state average of $60,680.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.60/hr = $34,440/year (purchasing power: $33,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,399/year (purchasing power: $55,619).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bristol grew 21.6% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $26.66/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.56/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering part-time paralegal earning potential in Bristol, it's important to analyze the differences in income compared to full-time positions. A paralegal working a 24-hour week could earn a total of around $43,404 annually, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts, whose salaries can reach upwards of $57,404. Additionally, for those exploring per diem opportunities, the landscape offers varied pay rates, with agency work typically billing between $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized e-discovery roles may command even higher rates of $30 to $60 per hour. Different employer types influence pay scales as well: while larger law firms often provide higher hourly rates, they may require longer hours, whereas in-house legal departments tend to offer better work-life balance with consistent compensation. Paralegals must also consider the trade-off between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health insurance. Skills in e-discovery, combined with effective negotiation tactics specific to Bristol’s market, can be invaluable for those looking to maximize their pay potential.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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