Paralegal Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $37.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Wenatchee, WA runs $37.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.9, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,725 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $37.44 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate offers a favorable opportunity for part-time workers or those considering per diem positions, allowing them to earn a competitive income while balancing other commitments. The spectrum of pay varies for paralegals, with entry-level positions starting around $25.29 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $49.25 per hour in specific roles. These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, reflect the range of employment settings available for paralegals, including law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, and even remote e-discovery review projects, allowing flexible career paths that best fit individual lifestyles.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.29 | $202.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.30 | $250.41 |
| Median (P50) | $37.44 | $299.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.94 | $327.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.25 | $394.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $37.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.44/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,874 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,927. With a cost-of-living index of 103.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,497.58 | $6,490 | $77,874 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $898.55 | $3,894 | $46,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.03 | $2,596 | $31,150 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Wenatchee) | $37.44 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $77,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.62% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 18.40% above the Washington state average of $65,769.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.44/hr = $46,725/year (purchasing power: $44,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,874/year (purchasing power: $74,984).
CoL index: 103.855 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Wenatchee grew 32.2% from $27.36/hr (2019) to $36.17/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
For individuals working part-time as paralegals, such as those securing about 24 hours a week, the annual income can be surprisingly satisfactory compared to a full-time role. Earning approximately $46,434 annually while working fewer days may attract those seeking to balance professional work with personal obligations. The landscape for per diem paralegal pay in Wenatchee shows a broad range, with contract positions typically billing between $25 and $50 per hour—more specialized roles in e-discovery could command rates of $30 to $60 per hour. Hourly earnings fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer: while larger BigLaw firms may offer elevated pay, smaller boutique law offices and corporate in-house legal teams can provide more predictable hours and work-life balance. When negotiating hourly rates, paralegals should weigh the potential benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages that might lack benefits. Understanding these dynamics can empower paralegals in Wenatchee to optimize their compensation strategy effectively.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 Wenatchee. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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