Paralegal Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $31.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Kent, WA runs $31.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,400 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Kent, Washington, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $31.57, slightly exceeding the national median of $31.30. This hourly wage benefits those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, or per-diem opportunities, which are increasingly prevalent in various legal environments like law firm offices, corporate legal departments, and remote e-discovery settings. The hourly rate for paralegals in this region ranges from $22.79 at the entry-level to $48.93 for top earners, reflecting their diverse experiences and specializations. Therefore, the potential for per-diem paralegal pay in Kent can vary significantly based on individual qualifications and the specific nature of their work, all anchored in the projected salary estimates derived from annual data.
About the Kent 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) | $22.79 | $182.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.37 | $202.96 |
| Median (P50) | $31.57 | $252.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.41 | $323.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.93 | $391.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $31.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.57/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $65,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,885. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,262.82 | $5,472 | $65,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.69 | $3,283 | $39,400 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.13 | $2,189 | $26,267 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Kent) | $31.57 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $65,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.86% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $65,791.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.57/hr = $39,400/year (purchasing power: $36,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,667/year (purchasing power: $61,142).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Kent grew 21.6% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $30.50/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.68/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 Kent 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 Kent
Considering a part-time paralegal working 24 hours a week, their annual income would be approximately $39,305, demonstrating a significant difference compared to full-time colleagues. Contract and freelance paralegal positions, especially in e-discovery, commonly command rates between $30 and $60 per hour, providing good earnings potential but often without the benefits associated with stable employment. Additionally, hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer type, with positions in large law firms typically demanding higher rates, while government legal offices may offer lower pay but greater job stability and benefits. Many paralegals weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and job security, as some opt for lower rates in exchange for health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay in Kent, being aware of the industry's pay scales and expected benefits is crucial to secure optimal compensation.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Kent?
Are paralegals in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Kent?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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 Kent. 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 Kent 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