Paralegal Hourly Pay in Jackson, MS: $25.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Jackson, MS runs $25.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,241 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,352 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For paralegals operating in Jackson, Mississippi, the median hourly pay stands at $25.12, a figure that reflects the broader market dynamics of the profession in 2026. In comparison, the national hourly median is $31.30, showcasing a notable disparity that illustrates the competitive landscape of paralegal work. This median rate offers various opportunities for part-time paralegals who typically work three days a week, enabling them to earn a stable income even while pursuing other interests or responsibilities. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn around $17.65 per hour, while more experienced professionals may see their hourly wages climb to approximately $34.18. Such rates are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, which indicates the potential for both full-time and per-diem roles within law firms, corporate legal departments, government offices, and other sectors requiring legal support.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.65 | $141.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.84 | $174.72 |
| Median (P50) | $25.12 | $200.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.34 | $250.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.18 | $273.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $25.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.12/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, MS can expect to earn approximately $52,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,146. With a cost-of-living index of 89.05 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,004.88 | $4,354 | $52,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.93 | $2,613 | $31,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.95 | $1,742 | $20,901 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Jackson) | $25.12 |
| 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 Jackson, MS earn a median of $52,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.75% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 6.40% below the Mississippi state average of $55,814.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.12/hr = $31,352/year (purchasing power: $35,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,254/year (purchasing power: $58,680).
CoL index: 89.048 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Jackson grew 5.5% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $24.27/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.00/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Part-time paralegals in Jackson have the potential to earn a respectable income while working a reduced schedule. For example, a paralegal working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would yield a significant income even if they are not full-time. With per-diem or contract work gaining traction in the industry, many paralegals in Jackson may find themselves charging anywhere between $25 and $50 per hour for regular tasks, while specialized roles, such as e-discovery review, could see compensated rates ranging from $30 to $60 per hour. However, freelance paralegals often find the highest compensation, frequently between $40 and $75 hourly. It's crucial to consider the nuanced trade-offs involved; higher hourly rates often come without benefits such as health insurance, which may lead some paralegals to choose stability over higher pay. Understanding bargaining strategies becomes vital in various employer settings, such as law firms versus corporate legal departments, particularly in a market like Jackson where professionals must balance compensation with benefits.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. 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