Paralegal Hourly Pay in Littleton, CO: $30.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Littleton, CO runs $30.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Littleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Littleton, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for paralegals in 2026 stands at $30.65, just slightly below the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate provides significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in typical legal environments such as law firm cubicles or corporate legal departments. With a range spanning from $22.81 for entry-level positions to $47.51 for top earners, paralegals have diverse earnings potential depending on experience and specialization. Those engaged in remote or hybrid e-discovery review might find that their pay aligns closely within this spectrum, indicating that hourly rates, derived from annual salary data, can accommodate both seasoned professionals and those new to the field.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.81 | $182.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.93 | $199.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.65 | $245.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.01 | $312.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.51 | $380.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Littleton
Based on $30.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.65/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Littleton, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,779. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Littleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Littleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.97 | $5,313 | $63,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.58 | $3,188 | $38,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.39 | $2,125 | $25,500 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Littleton) | $30.65 |
| Lawyer (National Avg) | $81.25 |
| Legal Secretary (National Avg) | $26.86 |
| Court Reporter (National Avg) | $30.10 |
| Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg) | $29.85 |
Paralegals in Littleton, CO earn a median of $63,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.07% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $67,107.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.65/hr = $38,250/year (purchasing power: $36,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,751/year (purchasing power: $60,715).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Littleton grew 21.6% from $24.36/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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.
Working as an Hourly Paralegal in Littleton
For paralegals considering part-time work, securing a steady position of approximately 24 hours a week can yield a respectable annual income, although it would fall short compared to full-time earnings. Contract or per-diem paralegal work varies significantly in compensation; for example, freelance opportunities can range between $40 and $75 per hour, while trial preparation specialists could command $50 to $90 per hour during active cases. The differences in hourly pay can also reflect the type of employer, with law firms often offering competitive rates compared to government positions, which may provide better benefits but at a lower hourly wage. Those who choose to work with BigLaw firms might face an intense workload but can enjoy higher wages, while in-house paralegals typically benefit from improved work-life balance. Negotiating for better hourly pay is crucial in Littleton's market, and understanding the value of health benefits versus pay rates can greatly influence career decisions.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Littleton in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Littleton?
Are paralegals in Littleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Littleton?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Littleton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for paralegals in Littleton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Littleton 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