Entry-Level Paralegal Salary in Cody, WY: $45,368 (2026)
Quick Answer:New paralegals entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,368 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 23-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,357 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,952) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the paralegal field in Cody, Wyoming, the starting paralegal salary is an important factor to consider. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to offer salaries beginning around $45,368. While this figure is notably below the city median of $59,952, it presents a realistic expectation for those just entering the workforce. Over the initial years, paralegals can see a positive growth trajectory, as salaries move from the starting pay at P10 to P25, which stands at $49,031. This range indicates potential for advancement and an opportunity to hone skills within a supportive legal environment. Given the 3.51% annual growth rate projected for the sector and a relatively low cost of living index of 95.8 in Cody, the market appears favorable for new graduates seeking career entry in this arena.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody
Entry-level paralegals in Cody, WY typically start between $45,368 and $49,031 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,867 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,952 — 7.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average paralegal studies program cost in Wyoming of $18,000 represents just 39.68% of the starting paralegal pay ($45,368/year) in Cody. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABA-approved paralegal certificate and associate degree programs at community colleges and universities. Costs vary by institution type; bachelor's paralegal programs are on the high end.
Paralegal Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level paralegal pay ranges from $45,368 to $49,031, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the paralegal studies field — employers in WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Paralegal Compensation Range
The paralegal wage spread in Cody is $43,867 ( 96.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,368, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,235.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,506
2025 BLS Actual
$43,830
2026 Current Est.
$45,368
2019–2027 Growth
+49.1%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,669 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,368 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,961 | Projected |
Entry-level paralegal compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 39.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,506 in 2019 to $43,830 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,961. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your paralegal studies Career in Cody
Various employers in Cody are on the lookout for new graduates eager to begin their paralegal careers. Typically, small and mid-size law firms are the primary employers willing to take on entry-level paralegals, often providing on-the-job training that can help recent graduates acquire valuable experience. In contrast, larger law practices, or BigLaw firms, tend to seek candidates with established credentials from formal paralegal programs. For those aiming to enhance their starting paralegal pay in Wyoming, pursuing credentials such as an associate's or bachelor's degree, or completing a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program can be key. Furthermore, certifications from organizations like NALA or NFPA may provide an edge in job offers. In the first three years, new paralegals can experience steady salary growth, and exploring specialties like e-discovery can lead to higher pay tiers. Those considering corporate in-house positions may appreciate the better work-life balance they often offer.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new paralegal studies graduates. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov