Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $35.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lacey, WA runs $35.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegal hourly pay in Lacey, Washington is projected to reach a median rate of $35.11 by 2026, which exceeds the national hourly median of $31.30. This favorable rate reflects Lacey's vibrant legal market and provides an attractive opportunity for both part-time and per diem paralegals who typically work in environments such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. Part-time paralegals, working about three days a week, can enjoy a decent living while still maintaining flexibility. For entry-level positions, the hourly rate starts at approximately $26.01, while experienced paralegals can earn up to $54.43 per hour, demonstrating the potential for substantial growth within this career. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, translating the annual figures into a more relatable earning context for various work arrangements.
About the Lacey 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) | $26.01 | $208.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.65 | $229.21 |
| Median (P50) | $35.11 | $280.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.77 | $350.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.43 | $435.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $35.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.11/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $73,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,133. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,404.42 | $6,086 | $73,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.65 | $3,652 | $43,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.77 | $2,434 | $29,212 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lacey) | $35.11 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $73,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 11.00% above the Washington state average of $65,796.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.11/hr = $43,818/year (purchasing power: $40,799).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,030/year (purchasing power: $67,998).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lacey grew 21.6% from $27.91/hr (2019) to $33.92/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.34/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
When considering part-time opportunities, a paralegal putting in about 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per-diem and contract paralegals often experience varied pay rates based on their specific roles and client needs. For instance, e-discovery specialists can command between $30 and $60 per hour, while freelance corporate paralegals may earn from $40 to $75 per hour within smaller businesses. In Lacey, the type of employer also significantly impacts hourly wages; larger law firms typically offer higher compensation than public defender offices or smaller boutique firms. Some paralegals choose to prioritize job benefits over higher pay, accepting lower hourly wages for health insurance and job security. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable for candidates to emphasize special skills, such as e-discovery proficiency, that may justify requesting higher pay in Lacey’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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