Paralegal Salary in Suffolk, VA: $59,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Suffolk, VA earns a median $59,681/year (≈ $28.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $57,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, paralegals in Suffolk, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,681, a figure that reflects a local market distinctly below the national median of $65,097. The projected salary range for paralegals here varies from $44,409 at the 10th percentile to $92,505 at the 90th, showcasing a diverse earning potential influenced by factors such as employer type and specialization. Notably, paralegals working for corporate legal departments might find better work-life balance with consistent compensation, while those in law firms typically face high-demand environments that can offer higher pay but with more intense hours. Given these dynamics, Suffolk presents a range of opportunities that can suit different career goals and personal preferences within the legal profession.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,409 | $21.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,788 | $23.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,681 | $28.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,542 | $35.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,505 | $44.48 |
Median Salary Position
8.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,096 (2026 est.). At $59,681, the local median is 8.32% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Paralegal Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $59,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,713 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | -8.32% less |
Paralegals in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $59,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.32% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $60,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,830 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,435
2025 BLS Actual
$57,657
2026 Current Est.
$59,681
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,517 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,897 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.5% from $47,435 (2019) to $57,657 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,341 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $44,409 – $48,788 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,788 – $59,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,681 – $74,542 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,542 – $92,505 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Suffolk
Examining the local job market, Suffolk employs around 15 paralegals, indicative of a modestly sized sector within the broader legal community. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, paralegal pay in Suffolk VA is somewhat affected by daily expenses, impacting overall take-home purchasing power. In this city, law firms, especially those categorized as BigLaw, tend to offer the highest salaries, reflecting the competitive market for skilled professionals. In-house positions also provide strong financial incentives, particularly those specializing in areas like e-discovery that command premium compensation. To maximize earnings in Suffolk, paralegals should consider obtaining certifications from NALA or NFPA, focusing on high-demand specialties, and enhancing skills such as bilingual proficiency to increase marketability and potential pay.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
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 $57,657 for paralegalsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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