Northampton vs Worcester: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Northampton, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Northampton, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,420 | $73,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46 | $35.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,218▲ | $36,373 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,791 | $61,050▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,337 | $84,143▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,402▲ | $100,726 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Northampton.
The salary gap between Northampton and Worcester is $8,062 (12.32%). Worcester's median is +12.88% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Northampton spans $52,184,Worcester spans $64,353. Worcester 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, Worcester ($71,674 effective) pays 18.87% more than Northampton ($60,295 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Northampton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,402)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,482/year)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,674)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Northampton grew -15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Northampton, MA
$74,773 (2024) → $63,202 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$56,630 (2019) → $70,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Northampton, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Northampton or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Northampton and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Northampton to Worcester 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