Paralegal Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $65,351 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $65,351/year (≈ $31.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $65,026 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual paralegal salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is projected to be $65,351, slightly ahead of the national median of $65,097. With a salary range spanning from $45,056 at the lower end to $101,294 at the high end, paralegals in this city can expect to benefit from various specialty premiums, particularly in e-discovery roles. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors. As the job market for paralegals evolves, those aiming to specialize in in-demand areas like e-discovery and ensure certifications such as NALA or NFPA stand to gain a competitive edge in salary negotiations.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,056 | $21.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,745 | $24.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,351 | $31.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,766 | $39.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,294 | $48.70 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,238 (2026 est.). At $65,351, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $65,097.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Paralegal Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $65,351/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $65,416 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | +0.39% more |
Paralegals in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $65,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,351 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,026 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,942
2025 BLS Actual
$63,135
2026 Current Est.
$65,351
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,351 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,645 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.5% from $51,942 (2019) to $63,135 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,645 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,703 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $45,056 – $50,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,745 – $65,351 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,351 – $82,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,766 – $101,294 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Pawtucket
Pawtucket's paralegal job market, while comprised of only 16 professionals, reflects a steady growth trend with an annual increase rate of 3.51%. Despite a cost of living index of 100.5, which indicates a slightly above-average expense compared to the national average, paralegals may find that employer types significantly impact their take-home pay. BigLaw firms often offer the highest salaries, although the intensive hours may not be appealing to everyone. In-house roles can provide a more balanced work-life structure with steady compensation. The gap between lower- and higher-paid positions is often attributed to factors such as firm type, specialization in e-discovery, and additional certifications. For those looking to maximize their pay in Pawtucket, gaining specialized training or language skills can enhance their market viability and lead to better compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 $63,135 for paralegalsin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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