Dallas vs Odessa: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Dallas, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,439▲ | $61,992 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.47▲ | $29.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,089 | $41,373▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,471▲ | $48,764 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,533▲ | $66,598 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,462▲ | $82,642 |
| Total Employed | 8,320▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.
The salary gap between Dallas and Odessa is $3,447 (5.56%). Dallas's median is +0.53% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $64,373,Odessa spans $41,269. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Odessa ($66,022 effective) pays 4.01% more than Dallas ($63,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,439/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,462)
- ✓Larger job market (8,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,022)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Dallas grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 62.3% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$57,260 (2019) → $63,220 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$36,910 (2019) → $59,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Odessa, TX
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
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