Paralegal Hourly Pay in Burke, VA: $28.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Burke, VA runs $28.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Burke's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burke, Virginia, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to be $28.82 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $31.30 for this profession. For paralegals working part-time, such as those on a three-day work week, this translates to meaningful earnings while allowing for a flexible schedule typical of positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. The hourly pay range for paralegals in Burke varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $20.91 and top earners making around $44.66 an hour. These rates are indicative of the wider earning potential across different settings, such as remote e-discovery review and traditional office roles, highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the field.
About the Burke 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) | $20.91 | $167.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.04 | $184.33 |
| Median (P50) | $28.82 | $230.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.25 | $289.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.66 | $357.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burke
Based on $28.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.82/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burke, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,581. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.69 | $4,995 | $59,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.61 | $2,997 | $35,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.07 | $1,998 | $23,976 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Burke) | $28.82 |
| 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 Burke, VA earn a median of $59,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.20% below the Virginia state average of $60,668.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.82/hr = $35,964/year (purchasing power: $34,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,940/year (purchasing power: $58,081).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Burke grew 21.6% from $22.90/hr (2019) to $27.84/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.83/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 Burke 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 Burke
Part-time paralegals in Burke can expect to bring home approximately $36,089 annually if they work 24 hours weekly, versus a full-time equivalent that offers more stability in income. For those exploring per diem roles, the reality is different; contract work could see paralegal pay ranging from $25 to $90 per hour, depending on specialization—e-discovery positions often command higher rates due to the expertise required. Paralegals in various settings, including large law firms and state government offices, experience differing hourly rates which can reflect the balance between compensation and benefits such as health insurance. Contract work might offer higher hourly wages but comes without the security of full-time employment benefits. Thus, negotiation can be critical; emphasizing experience and specialized skills can help paralegals in Burke secure competitive rates while also weighing the benefits of long-term employment.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Burke in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Burke?
Are paralegals in Burke paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Burke?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Burke?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Burke. 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 Burke 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