Paralegal Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $39.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Boston, MA runs $39.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,592 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to be $39.74 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.30. This robust hourly rate provides a solid foundation for various work arrangements, including part-time positions typically spanning three days per week. For those in flexible or per-diem roles, which are common in settings such as law firms, corporate legal departments, or remote e-discovery work, the pay range starts at $25.05 for entry-level positions and can escalate to $62.93 for seasoned professionals. These figures, derived from official BLS hourly data, highlight the financial viability of pursuing a paralegal career in Boston. Given the competitive pay and opportunities across different sectors, this profession continues to attract individuals seeking to balance work-life commitments with a rewarding career.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.05 | $200.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.78 | $254.22 |
| Median (P50) | $39.74 | $317.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.00 | $392.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.93 | $503.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $39.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.74/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,685. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.50 | $6,888 | $82,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.70 | $4,133 | $49,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.80 | $2,755 | $33,062 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Boston) | $39.74 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $82,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.97% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 22.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,362.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.74/hr = $49,592/year (purchasing power: $45,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,654/year (purchasing power: $76,343).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Boston grew 34.8% from $28.47/hr (2019) to $38.39/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.13/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 Boston 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 Boston
When considering part-time work, a paralegal clocking in at 24 hours per week could bring home a noteworthy income annually, although it would still be less than a full-time professional. For paralegals engaging in per-diem, agency, or freelance contract work, the earning potential varies markedly—billing rates typically range from $25 to $50 per hour for general tasks, climbing to $30-$60 for e-discovery specialists and up to $50-$90 for trial preparation roles. The disparity in hourly rates frequently correlates with the type of employer. Large law firms may offer top dollar but demand rigorous hours, while corporate legal departments often provide steadier hours and better work-life balance. Paralegals should carefully weigh the trade-offs of choosing higher hourly wages without benefits versus more stable positions with health insurance. For those navigating negotiations, emphasizing specialized skills, such as e-discovery expertise, can provide a substantial advantage in the competitive Boston job market.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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