Paralegal Hourly Pay in Biddeford, ME: $29.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Biddeford, ME runs $29.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Biddeford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Biddeford, Maine, the typical paralegal earns a median hourly rate of $29.49, which is slightly below the national average of $31.30. This rate can significantly impact those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, particularly in legal settings such as law firm offices, corporate legal departments, or even remote e-discovery work. For those working approximately three days a week, the moving scale of hourly earnings—from $21.51 at the entry level to $44.08 for those at the upper echelon—offers a flexible income stream that can complement other roles or personal commitments. Notably, these hourly figures are drawn from annual salary estimates, reflecting the evolving landscape of paralegal compensation in the region, demonstrating how Biddeford's cost of living plays a role in shaping these rates.
About the Biddeford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.51 | $172.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.53 | $188.22 |
| Median (P50) | $29.49 | $235.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.12 | $289.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.08 | $352.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biddeford
Based on $29.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.49/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biddeford, ME can expect to earn approximately $61,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,388. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biddeford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Biddeford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.60 | $5,112 | $61,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.76 | $3,067 | $36,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.84 | $2,045 | $24,536 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Biddeford) | $29.49 |
| 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 Biddeford, ME earn a median of $61,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.40% below the Maine state average of $64,846.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.49/hr = $36,804/year (purchasing power: $36,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,339/year (purchasing power: $61,586).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Biddeford grew 21.6% from $23.44/hr (2019) to $28.49/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.53/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 Biddeford 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 Biddeford
Part-time paralegals working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to earn around $36,000 annually if staying at the average rate discussed previously. Meanwhile, those pursuing contract work, commonly billed at a range from $25 to $50 per hour for per-diem positions, might encounter different opportunities based on specific roles. E-discovery review specialists, a niche within the field, can see rates rise from $30 to $60 per hour, while contract paralegals directly involved in litigation prep may land on an impressive scale of $50 to $90 per hour. It's essential to understand that hourly earnings can vary significantly based on the employer type—law firms, government agencies, or corporate entities each bring unique compensation packages. Paralegals must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages typically offered without benefits versus the lower rates that come with stable compensation and health benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Biddeford, aiming for clarity on the specifics of the role and market demand can provide an edge in compensation discussions.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Biddeford in 2026?
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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 Biddeford. 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 Biddeford 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