Houston vs Waco: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,932▲ | $60,678 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22▲ | $29.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,640▲ | $40,990 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,589▲ | $48,908 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,046▲ | $64,601 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,928▲ | $79,082 |
| Total Employed | 7,320▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $4,254 (7.01%). 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 Houston spans $61,288,Waco spans $38,092. Houston 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, Houston ($65,835 effective) pays 0.42% more than Waco ($65,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waco if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Houston grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$47,670 (2019) → $62,730 (2025)
Waco, TX
$46,180 (2019) → $58,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, 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