Paralegal Hourly Pay in South Milwaukee, WI: $24.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in South Milwaukee, WI runs $24.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,664 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against South Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,396 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Milwaukee, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median of $24.36, significantly below the national median of $31.30. This difference highlights the potential challenges for part-time or per-diem paralegals who may work in diverse environments such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and even in remote or hybrid roles. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates differently compared to full-time employment, affecting overall take-home pay. The hourly range for this profession varies, with entry-level positions starting around $17.94 and experienced professionals earning up to $37.75, reflective of the typical pay structure within a variety of legal settings in South Milwaukee.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.94 | $143.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.51 |
| Median (P50) | $24.36 | $194.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.44 | $235.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.75 | $302.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Milwaukee
Based on $24.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.36/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $50,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,227. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $974.24 | $4,222 | $50,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.54 | $2,533 | $30,396 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.69 | $1,689 | $20,264 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (South Milwaukee) | $24.36 |
| 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 South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $50,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.17% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $53,331.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.36/hr = $30,396/year (purchasing power: $32,544).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,660/year (purchasing power: $54,240).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in South Milwaukee grew 21.6% from $19.36/hr (2019) to $23.53/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.21/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 South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee
Examining the part-time paralegal's annual potential is essential for understanding economic viability in South Milwaukee. A paralegal working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $28,284 annually at the current hourly rate, contrasting starkly with the paycheck of a full-time worker. For those in contract or freelance roles, per diem paralegal pay can range significantly, with costs often between $25-$50 per hour for general work, climbing to $50-$90 for trial preparation during active litigation. Variations in pay are also influenced by the type of employer, with larger law firms typically offering higher rates while in-house positions may provide better benefits despite lower hourly wages. Paralegals who negotiate their pay should weigh the importance of hourly compensation against potential benefits, and should research specific pay rates in South Milwaukee to ensure fair compensation for their skills and expertise.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in South Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in South Milwaukee?
Are paralegals in South Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in South Milwaukee?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in South Milwaukee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 South Milwaukee. 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 South Milwaukee 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