Paralegal Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, VA: $28.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Fredericksburg, VA runs $28.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,460 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Fredericksburg, Virginia, offers a competitive paralegal hourly pay of $28.41, slightly below the national hourly median of $31.30. This difference can impact the earnings of part-time paralegals working three days a week or those taking on per-diem assignments in settings typical for the profession, such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. The hourly range starts at approximately $19.95 for entry-level positions and can reach as high as $44.03 for seasoned professionals. These figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialized skills often seen across the state.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $19.95 | $159.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.53 |
| Median (P50) | $28.41 | $227.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.32 | $290.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.03 | $352.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $28.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.41/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,100 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,096. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.54 | $4,925 | $59,100 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.92 | $2,955 | $35,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.62 | $1,970 | $23,640 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Fredericksburg) | $28.41 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $59,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $60,669.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.41/hr = $35,460/year (purchasing power: $34,361).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,100/year (purchasing power: $57,268).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Fredericksburg grew 21.6% from $22.58/hr (2019) to $27.45/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.41/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time paralegals in Fredericksburg reveals a significant impact on annual earnings compared to full-time colleagues. A paralegal working 24 hours a week at the median rate would earn around $36,000 annually, allowing for flexibility but with lower income security. In contrast, those engaged in per-diem work can expect different pay scales, with contract paralegals commonly billing between $25 and $50 per hour and e-discovery specialists often commanding $30 to $60 per hour. Various employer types also influence hourly rates—BigLaw firms typically offer higher pay but with demanding hours, while in-house corporate legal positions may present better work-life balance and steady compensation. Additionally, some paralegals may prioritize health benefits over hourly rates, leading them to accept lower pay for job security. Skilled negotiation can further enhance earnings potential in Fredericksburg, particularly when considering the distinct needs and offerings of local employers.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Fredericksburg?
Are paralegals in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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