Paralegal Salary in Kenosha, WI: $56,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Kenosha, WI earns a median $56,868/year (≈ $27.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Kenosha's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $56,239 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, paralegals in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $56,868, reflecting a notable 12.64% lower than the national median of $65,097. The salary range for paralegal positions spans from $46,755 at the lower end (P10) to $87,849 for those in more advanced roles (P90). The data is derived from surveys conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and highlights the trade-off between working in law firms and corporate legal departments. While firm positions can offer higher compensation, they often demand longer hours, whereas in-house roles typically provide a better work-life balance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring paralegals considering a career in Kenosha.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,755 | $22.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,453 | $23.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,868 | $27.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,982 | $29.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,849 | $42.23 |
Median Salary Position
12.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
In Kenosha, WI, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,094 (2026 est.). At $56,868, the local median is 12.64% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kenosha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kenosha Paralegal Pay Compares
Kenosha median: $56,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenosha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $53,347 | +6.60% more |
| National Average | $65,097 | -12.64% less |
Paralegals in Kenosha, WI earn a median of $56,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.64% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 6.60% above the Wisconsin state average of $53,347.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenosha has a cost of living 1.12% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenosha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 101.118 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,868 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,239 — a 1.11% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,199
2025 BLS Actual
$54,940
2026 Current Est.
$56,868
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenosha metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.6% from $45,199 (2019) to $54,940 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,665 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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) | $46,755 – $48,453 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,453 – $56,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,868 – $61,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,982 – $87,849 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Kenosha
The local job market in Kenosha offers approximately 110 paralegal positions, suggesting a steady demand for qualified professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 101.118, paralegals must consider their take-home purchasing power carefully. Employers in the area span various sectors, including small and mid-sized law firms, corporate legal departments, and public service roles such as district attorneys’ offices. Higher pay often correlates with law firm tier—BigLaw positions offering premium salaries compared to smaller firms—and specialization, with e-discovery paralegals frequently the highest earners. Gaining certifications from recognized organizations like NALA or NFPA can also enhance a paralegal's marketability and earning potential. For those wondering how much do paralegals make in Kenosha, focusing on niche specialties and seeking roles that align with personal work-life balance preferences can be effective strategies for maximizing income in this competitive market.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Kenosha, WI in 2026?
Is Kenosha, WI a good place to work as a paralegal?
Can paralegals make $100K in Kenosha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted paralegal salary in Kenosha?
How much does a paralegal make per hour in Kenosha?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $54,940 for paralegalsin the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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