Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $32.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lowell, MA runs $32.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, paralegals earn a median hourly pay of $32.47, which exceeds the national average of $31.30. This competitive rate is particularly advantageous for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who can still achieve considerable earnings based on hourly wages. In various workplace settings—ranging from bustling law firms to corporate legal departments and remote e-discovery environments—entry-level paralegals typically start at around $23.67, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $50.33 per hour. This range reflects not only the differing levels of experience but also the diverse nature of paralegal roles in Lowell, where varying employer demand influences these hourly rates.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.67 | $189.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.27 | $210.17 |
| Median (P50) | $32.47 | $259.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.56 | $332.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.33 | $402.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $32.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.47/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,965. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.84 | $5,628 | $67,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.31 | $3,377 | $40,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.54 | $2,251 | $27,016 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lowell) | $32.47 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $67,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,333.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.47/hr = $40,524/year (purchasing power: $37,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,540/year (purchasing power: $62,249).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lowell grew 21.6% from $25.81/hr (2019) to $31.37/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.61/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Considering the nuances of part-time work, a paralegal in Lowell who puts in 24 hours a week might expect to take home around $39,810 annually, acknowledging that this figure is significantly lower than a full-time salary. For those pursuing per diem options, hourly rates can vary considerably depending on the type of work—contract paralegals may charge between $25 and $50 an hour, while specialists in e-discovery can command $30 to $60. Freelance corporate paralegals often earn between $40 and $75, reflecting the value they add to smaller businesses. The compensation often differs by employer type; for instance, paralegals in government positions may offer more stability and benefits, but those in private practice may receive higher pay without additional perks. Paralegals should be strategic when negotiating their hourly rates, considering their benefit needs and the opportunity to earn higher pay without benefits. In Lowell’s competitive job market, highlighting specialized skills like e-discovery can significantly enhance negotiating power.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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