Paralegal Salary in Kalispell, MT: $57,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Kalispell, MT earns a median $57,987/year (≈ $27.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $60,278 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a paralegal in Kalispell, MT can expect a median annual salary of $57,987, which reflects a notable 10.92% shortfall compared to the national average of $65,097. Local salaries range from $42,949 at the lower end (P10) to $85,700 for top earners (P90). These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the disparity in earnings that can arise based on specialization and employer type. Specifically, paralegals specializing in e-discovery and Relativity technology, often commanding higher salaries, can significantly enhance their overall compensation within this market—contributing to a competitive environment for legal professionals in Kalispell.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,949 | $20.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,929 | $22.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,987 | $27.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,430 | $33.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,700 | $41.20 |
Median Salary Position
10.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,751 (2026 est.). At $57,987, the local median is 10.92% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Paralegal Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $57,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $60,720 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | -10.92% less |
Paralegals in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $57,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.92% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $60,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A paralegal earning $57,987 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,278 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,089
2025 BLS Actual
$56,021
2026 Current Est.
$57,987
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,089 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,734 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,021 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,023 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.5% from $46,089 (2019) to $56,021 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,023 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,934 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $42,949 – $46,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,929 – $57,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,987 – $70,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,430 – $85,700 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Kalispell
With only four paralegals employed locally, the job market in Kalispell remains relatively niche. The cost-of-living index of 96.2 indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national figures, the purchasing power can remain intact, offering more value relative to living expenses. Among local employers, law firms and government legal offices typically present the highest pay scales, followed closely by corporate in-house positions. The variance in paralegal pay in Kalispell often boils down to firm size, specialization, and certification levels. For those looking to enhance their marketability, pursuing additional credentials from organizations like NALA or NFPA can lead to increased earning potential. Moreover, focusing on e-discovery expertise and seeking opportunities in larger firms can provide more lucrative salary options within this local job market.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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
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 $56,021 for paralegalsin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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