Paralegal Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $30.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Pullman, WA runs $30.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The paralegal hourly pay in Pullman, Washington, sits at a median of $30.35. Although this rate is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $31.30, it reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for legal services in the region. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into an accessible wage for those balancing other commitments, such as education or family obligations. The hourly range varies widely, starting at $23.09 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $47.05 for highly experienced professionals, illustrating the potential for career advancement within the field. Work environments for paralegals—like law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, or remote e-discovery platforms—also influence compensation, with many roles accommodating flexible schedules for those interested in per-diem arrangements.
About the Pullman 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) | $23.09 | $184.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.05 | $200.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.35 | $242.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.85 | $310.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.05 | $376.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $30.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.35/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,419. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.97 | $5,261 | $63,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.38 | $3,156 | $37,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.59 | $2,104 | $25,250 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Pullman) | $30.35 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $63,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.03% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $65,756.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.35/hr = $37,876/year (purchasing power: $35,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,126/year (purchasing power: $58,777).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Pullman grew 21.6% from $24.12/hr (2019) to $29.32/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.41/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
Evaluating the earning potential further, a paralegal working part-time for 24 hours a week might expect to take home roughly $37,442 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts. In Pullman, per-diem paralegal pay ranges significantly, often fluctuating between $25 and $50 an hour, depending on the complexity of the work being performed. Contract paralegals in specialized roles, such as e-discovery, may command rates from $30 to $60, while those involved in trial preparations can earn $50 to $90 per hour during active cases. This variance across employer types—from BigLaw firms to government agencies—illustrates the diversity of opportunities available, although trade-offs often exist regarding benefits versus hourly rates. For instance, some may prefer the stability and insurance benefits that come with lower hourly pay in corporate settings, while others might seek higher pay without benefits in freelance roles. For paralegals in Pullman, negotiating rates based on specialized skills, such as e-discovery expertise or certifications from NALA or NFPA, can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Pullman in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Pullman?
Are paralegals in Pullman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Pullman?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Pullman?
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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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