Paralegal Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $28.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Suffolk, VA runs $28.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,809 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, VA, the paralegal hourly pay is projected at $28.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate can significantly impact the income of part-time paralegals, especially for those working three days a week in varied legal settings such as law firm cubicles, corporate offices, and government departments. Workers in this profession can expect to earn between $21.35 and $44.48 depending on experience and specialization. For those considering per-diem arrangements, the hourly context is paramount; many find themselves balancing flexible work options while still aiming to maintain a steady income. This range reflects entry-level positions starting at the lower end, while seasoned paralegals, particularly those involved in specialized fields like e-discovery, can secure top-tier rates in their roles.
About the Suffolk 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) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.46 | $187.64 |
| Median (P50) | $28.69 | $229.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.84 | $286.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.48 | $355.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $28.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.69/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,432. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.72 | $4,973 | $59,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.63 | $2,984 | $35,809 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.09 | $1,989 | $23,873 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Suffolk) | $28.69 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $59,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.32% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $60,713.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.69/hr = $35,809/year (purchasing power: $34,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,681/year (purchasing power: $57,831).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Suffolk grew 21.6% from $22.81/hr (2019) to $27.72/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.70/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
The potential for part-time paralegals in Suffolk reveals an interesting earning scenario. A paralegal who opts to work three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could expect to take home roughly $35,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts earning upwards of $59,681. Per-diem paralegals often find varied rates; contract work typically bills anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized e-discovery tasks can command $30 to $60. For freelance paralegals involved in trial preparations, earnings can escalate to $50 to $90 hourly during active litigation phases. The variance in hourly rates often correlates with employer types, ranging from large law firms to governmental legal offices, which presents a trade-off between higher pay without benefits and a stable, albeit lower, hourly rate supplemented with health insurance. Negotiation strategies in Suffolk can also play a vital role; being aware of these discrepancies can empower paralegals to advocate for better compensation aligned with industry standards.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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