Paralegal Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Waukesha, WI runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,953 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, paralegals can expect a median hourly pay of $30.41, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate reflects both entry-level and experienced paralegals working in a range of legal environments, including law firms, government offices, and corporate legal departments. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this translates into varying earnings, with rates ranging from $21.14 for entry-level positions to $47.13 for seasoned experts. Most paralegals in Waukesha can anticipate earning income through flexible arrangements, such as per-diem work, which may involve on-demand assignments in various judicial settings or corporate offices. The hourly figures provided are estimates derived from annual salary data, allowing for a clear understanding of compensation dynamics in this profession.
About the Waukesha 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) | $21.14 | $169.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.75 | $189.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.98 | $303.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.13 | $377.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $63,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,493. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.45 | $5,271 | $63,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.87 | $3,163 | $37,953 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.58 | $2,109 | $25,302 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Waukesha) | $30.41 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $63,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 18.60% above the Wisconsin state average of $53,326.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,953/year (purchasing power: $40,635).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,255/year (purchasing power: $67,725).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Waukesha grew 21.6% from $24.17/hr (2019) to $29.38/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.48/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
When considering the part-time earning potential, a paralegal in Waukesha working a typical 24-hour week would take home about $37,039 annually if earning the median hourly rate. This contrasts starkly with full-time employees, emphasizing the appeal of flexible working arrangements. Contract and per-diem paralegals often find varying pay scales; for instance, agency work may bill from $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized projects like e-discovery review generally command fees from $30 to $60 an hour. Beyond hourly rates, the type of employer significantly influences compensation. Paralegals in larger law firms typically earn more but may face longer hours, whereas corporate and government roles may offer steadier hours and benefits, creating a trade-off that many professionals weigh. To negotiate successfully, paralegals in Waukesha should research prevailing rates, focus on showcasing relevant skills recognized by organizations such as NALA or NFPA, and consider factors like benefits before settling on a pay rate.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Waukesha in 2026?
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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