Paralegal Salary in Austin, MN: $58,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Austin, MN earns a median $58,634/year (≈ $28.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $59,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, paralegals in Austin, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $58,634, which reflects a significant 9.93% below the national median of $65,097. The local salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $41,219 and more experienced roles reaching up to $90,478. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, with regional price adjustments taken into account. While larger law firms typically offer higher wages due to greater resources and demanding workloads, paralegals at mid-sized and smaller firms might encounter lower compensation but often experience a more balanced workload and better job satisfaction. Understanding the regional dynamics of Austin’s legal market is crucial for those considering a career as a paralegal in this area.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,219 | $19.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,073 | $22.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,634 | $28.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,987 | $35.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,478 | $43.49 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,259 (2026 est.). At $58,634, the local median is 9.93% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Austin Paralegal Pay Compares
Austin median: $58,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $61,981 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | -9.93% less |
Paralegals in Austin, MN earn a median of $58,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $61,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A paralegal earning $58,634 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,603
2025 BLS Actual
$56,646
2026 Current Est.
$58,634
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,603 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,762 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,692 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.6% from $46,603 (2019) to $56,646 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,692 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,089 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,219 – $46,073 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,073 – $58,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,634 – $72,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,987 – $90,478 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Austin
Despite having only four paralegals employed in Austin, the job market presents opportunities for those looking to enhance their paralegal pay in the region. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, indicating a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, which positively impacts take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, BigLaw firms tend to offer the highest salaries, primarily driven by the nature of complex cases requiring extensive research and documentation. On the other hand, in-house positions in corporate legal departments may provide more stable hours, allowing for a balanced work life. The salary variance is influenced by factors such as firm size, specialization—especially in high-demand sectors like e-discovery—and certifications from recognized associations like NALA and NFPA. For those interested in maximizing their salary in the local market, pursuing certification and gaining experience in in-demand specialties can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Austin, MN in 2026?
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Can paralegals make $100K in Austin?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,646 for paralegalsin the Austin metropolitan area. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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