Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lake Stevens, WA: $30.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lake Stevens, WA runs $30.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lake Stevens's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Stevens, WA, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $30.59 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $31.30, indicating that while local rates are competitive, they still trail behind the broader market. For paralegals who work part-time, such as those clocking in three days a week, this median translates into a significant earning potential that can support a flexible lifestyle. Entry-level positions in this field often start around $23.53 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $46.62 per hour, reflecting a robust growth trajectory for the profession spurred by a projected annual growth rate of 3.51%. The hourly pay structure allows for diverse working environments—from bustling law firm offices to corporate legal settings—creating a variety of opportunities for both full-time and per-diem paralegals.
About the Lake Stevens 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) | $23.53 | $188.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.54 | $204.29 |
| Median (P50) | $30.59 | $244.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.72 | $301.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.62 | $372.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Stevens
Based on $30.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.59/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Stevens, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,705. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Stevens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Stevens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.49 | $5,302 | $63,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.09 | $3,181 | $38,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.40 | $2,121 | $25,449 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lake Stevens) | $30.59 |
| 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 Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $63,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $65,787.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.59/hr = $38,173/year (purchasing power: $35,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,621/year (purchasing power: $59,238).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lake Stevens grew 21.6% from $24.31/hr (2019) to $29.55/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.66/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 Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
Examining the part-time earning potential, a paralegal working 24 hours a week at the median rate would bring home approximately $38,345 annually, a respectable amount compared to full-time earnings. Many paralegals also seek per-diem work, with rates varying significantly depending on the specialization and demand. Contract positions may offer $25 to $50 per hour for basic paralegal tasks, while e-discovery specialists can earn between $30 and $60 per hour due to their specialized skills. In-house corporate legal departments and government offices often provide stability, while private law firms, especially big ones, may pay higher for demanding roles. However, prospective hourly workers might face trade-offs; jobs with higher hourly rates may lack benefits, pushing some to accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance and stability. Negotiation strategies in Lake Stevens emphasize the importance of showcasing relevant certifications from NALA or NFPA and understanding local market rates in order to secure compensation that reflects their skills and expertise.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens 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