Paralegal Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $27.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Fairfax, VA runs $27.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,775 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, paralegals can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.86, which is about 10.98% lower than the national figure of $31.30 per hour. This hourly rate is meaningful for different working arrangements, particularly for those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or those handling per diem assignments. The range for paralegal hourly pay in this region varies considerably, stretching from $20.63 for entry-level positions to $42.12 for top earners, making it essential for both individuals starting their careers and those with more experience to understand the financial landscape. Employers in Fairfax include a mix of law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices, all of which may have different pay scales and work environments, whether in traditional offices, court settings, or hybrid arrangements.
About the Fairfax 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) | $20.63 | $165.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.54 | $180.36 |
| Median (P50) | $27.86 | $222.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.43 | $275.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.12 | $336.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $27.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.86/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $57,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,438. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.60 | $4,830 | $57,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.76 | $2,898 | $34,775 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.84 | $1,932 | $23,184 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Fairfax) | $27.86 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $57,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $60,680.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.86/hr = $34,775/year (purchasing power: $33,697).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,959/year (purchasing power: $56,162).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Fairfax grew 21.6% from $22.15/hr (2019) to $26.92/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.84/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Calculating potential income, a part-time paralegal working 24 hours a week would bring in approximately $36,922 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem paralegal pay in Fairfax reflects a range that varies widely, with typical agency work billing between $25-$50 per hour, while specialized roles in e-discovery can earn from $30-$60 hourly. Freelancers supporting corporate clients may command rates between $40-$75, while those assisting with trial preparation during litigation could earn upwards of $50-$90. In Fairfax, hourly rates differ significantly based on the employer type, with BigLaw firms often providing higher pay but requiring more demanding hours. Conversely, in-house corporate roles can offer better work-life balance. Paralegals should weigh the benefits of positions, like health insurance in exchange for slightly lower pay, against the allure of higher hourly rates without benefits. For those in Fairfax, negotiation strategies can include emphasizing specialized skills, such as proficiency in e-discovery tools, to justify higher pay expectations.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Fairfax?
Are paralegals in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Fairfax?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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