Paralegal Salary

Austin vs Nacogdoches: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Austin, TX and Nacogdoches, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$66,391
$31.92/hr
Nacogdoches, TX
$53,605
$25.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXNacogdoches, TX
Median Salary$66,391$53,605
Hourly Rate$31.92$25.77
Entry Level (P10)$45,751$39,763
25th Percentile$48,443$42,341
75th Percentile$81,876$66,979
Top Earner (P90)$103,986$82,933
Total Employed4,3907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($66,391) and Nacogdoches ($53,605) paralegal salaries.AustinNacogdochesMedian Salary$66,391$53,605Entry Level (P10)$45,751$39,763Top Earner (P90)$103,986$82,933US Median $65,097

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nacogdoches.

The salary gap between Austin and Nacogdoches is $12,786 (23.85%). Austin's median is +1.99% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $58,235,Nacogdoches spans $43,170. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$45,751
P25$48,443
Median$66,391
P75$81,876
P90 (Top)$103,986
Nacogdoches
P10 (Entry)$39,763
P25$42,341
Median$53,605
P75$66,979
P90 (Top)$82,933

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($67,700 effective) pays 21.24% more than Nacogdoches ($55,839 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $66,391
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $67,700
Nacogdoches
Nominal: $53,605
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $55,839

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,391/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,986)
  • Larger job market (4,390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,700)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Nacogdoches if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Austin grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.3% growth in Nacogdoches over the same period.

Austin, TX

+24.4%

$51,560 (2019) → $64,140 (2025)

Nacogdoches, TX

+-8.3%

$56,490 (2024) → $51,787 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Austin or Nacogdoches?

Austin has a higher median paralegal salary at $66,391/year, compared to Nacogdoches at $53,605/year — a difference of $12,786 (23.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Nacogdoches?

Austin paralegals earn $31.92/hr while Nacogdoches hygienists earn $25.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Nacogdoches as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Nacogdoches. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $67,700, Nacogdoches = $55,839), job availability (4,390 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Austin vs Nacogdoches?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $45,751 in Austin and $39,763 in Nacogdoches. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov