Lincoln vs Papillion: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,597▲ | $55,406 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.58▲ | $26.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,414▲ | $43,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,803▲ | $46,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,697▲ | $68,826 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,149▲ | $84,360 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $8,191 (14.78%). Lincoln's median is -2.30% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $41,735,Papillion spans $40,840. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($69,443 effective) pays 14.68% more than Papillion ($60,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,149)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,443)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Lincoln grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$48,830 (2019) → $61,440 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$45,961 (2024) → $53,527 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Papillion, NE
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