Paralegal Hourly Pay in Mason City, IA: $26.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Mason City, IA runs $26.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Mason City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,264 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $26.65 in 2026, paralegals in Mason City, IA, earn significantly less than their counterparts nationally, where the median stands at $31.30. This difference reflects the local cost of living, which is below the national average. For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, such as working three days a week, the hourly rate allows for flexible income while still providing access to various legal work environments, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and even remote settings. Entry-level paralegals might expect to earn approximately $19.69 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $41.18. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, giving aspiring paralegals a comprehensive understanding of potential hourly earnings in the region.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.69 | $157.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.49 |
| Median (P50) | $26.65 | $213.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.21 | $265.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.18 | $329.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mason City
Based on $26.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.65/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mason City, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,985. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mason City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mason City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,066.15 | $4,620 | $55,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.69 | $2,772 | $33,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.46 | $1,848 | $22,176 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Mason City) | $26.65 |
| 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 Mason City, IA earn a median of $55,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.85% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $58,535.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.65/hr = $33,264/year (purchasing power: $36,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,440/year (purchasing power: $61,327).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Mason City grew 21.6% from $21.18/hr (2019) to $25.75/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.59/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 Mason City 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 Mason City
For those contemplating a part-time paralegal career, working just three days a week totals around 24 hours and can yield annual earnings substantially lower than full-time counterparts, making financial planning essential. Per diem paralegal pay in Mason City typically ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized roles, such as e-discovery experts, can earn between $30 and $60 per hour. Freelance paralegals servicing small businesses see rates from $40 to $75 per hour, and trial preparation work can command between $50 and $90 during active cases. Rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with law firms generally offering higher pay in exchange for demanding hours, while government positions might provide steady income but potentially lower compensation. Paralegals may negotiate hourly wages in Mason City by evaluating benefits versus pay, as some may prefer lower hourly rates for health insurance and job stability, while others seek high hourly earnings without benefits.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
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
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 Mason City. 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 Mason City 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