Paralegal Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $30.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Ellensburg, WA runs $30.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, WA, paralegals earn a median hourly rate of $30.16, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This rate provides a substantial income for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those who may choose to work three days a week. Part-time paralegals in typical environments—such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices—are likely to find flexible arrangements that suit their schedules. The hourly pay ranges from $22.43 for entry-level positions to $45.57 for highly experienced professionals, allowing for growth as one moves up in their career. Employers in the area often estimate these rates based on annual salary data, yet they can vary considerably depending on the specific legal setting and experience level.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.43 | $179.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.38 | $195.01 |
| Median (P50) | $30.16 | $241.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.24 | $297.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.57 | $364.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $30.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.16/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $62,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,195. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.51 | $5,228 | $62,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.91 | $3,137 | $37,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.61 | $2,091 | $25,095 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Ellensburg) | $30.16 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $62,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $65,772.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.16/hr = $37,643/year (purchasing power: $35,050).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,739/year (purchasing power: $58,416).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Ellensburg grew 21.6% from $23.97/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.22/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
When examining part-time earnings for paralegals in Ellensburg, those working a typical 24-hour week could take home a respectable income, although significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Many who engage in per diem paralegal work or locum tenens can expect to invoice between $25 to $50 per hour; e-discovery specialists might earn more in the range of $30 to $60, while freelance paralegals for corporate clients can command $40 to $75. Additionally, trial preparation contract positions typically earn between $50 and $90 per hour based on active litigation needs. Different employer types, including law firms, government legal offices, and corporate departments, offer varying compensation structures. Some paralegals sometimes opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for employment benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without healthcare coverage. Understanding local market dynamics and effectively negotiating can greatly influence earnings, especially for those looking to maximize their hourly pay in the competitive Ellensburg area.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Ellensburg?
Are paralegals in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Ellensburg?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Ellensburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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