Friendswood vs Houston: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Friendswood, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Friendswood, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,595 | $64,932▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.25 | $31.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,953 | $43,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,539 | $51,589▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,342 | $83,046▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,623 | $104,928▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 7,320▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Friendswood.
The salary gap between Friendswood and Houston is $10,337 (18.93%). Houston's median is -0.25% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Friendswood spans $42,670,Houston spans $61,288. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($65,835 effective) pays 15.76% more than Friendswood ($56,870 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Friendswood if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,932/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,928)
- ✓Larger job market (7,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,835)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Friendswood grew -8.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Friendswood, TX
$57,533 (2024) → $52,744 (2025)
Houston, TX
$47,670 (2019) → $62,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Friendswood, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Friendswood or Houston?
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Should I relocate from Friendswood to Houston as a paralegal?
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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