Paralegal Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $25.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Missoula, MT runs $25.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,468 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the paralegal hourly pay reflects a median rate of $25.22, significantly lower than the national median of $31.30. This difference suggests that paralegals in the region may find less financial incentive compared to their peers elsewhere in the country. For those considering part-time roles, working three days per week can yield a steady income, particularly in environments like law firms, corporate departments, or hybrid e-discovery settings. The hourly rate ranges from $24.07 for entry-level positions to $36.87 for top earners, providing a clear pathway for career growth and skill advancement. Such insights are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data projected for 2026, emphasizing the importance of this data for those planning a career in paralegal work in Missoula.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.07 | $192.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.26 | $194.10 |
| Median (P50) | $25.22 | $201.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.44 | $235.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.87 | $294.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $25.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.22/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $52,447 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,258. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.60 | $4,371 | $52,447 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.16 | $2,622 | $31,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.44 | $1,748 | $20,979 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Missoula) | $25.22 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $52,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.43% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 13.60% below the Montana state average of $60,704.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.22/hr = $31,468/year (purchasing power: $32,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,447/year (purchasing power: $54,381).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Missoula grew 3.0% from $23.65/hr (2019) to $24.36/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.10/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
Looking at the earning potential for part-time paralegals, a professional working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $31,308 annually, clearly distinguishing this path from full-time employment opportunities. The per diem paralegal pay in Missoula can vary widely, with contract rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, and specialized roles such as e-discovery review commanding even higher rates between $30 and $60. Different employer types influence hourly wages significantly: law firms may pay lower rates while requiring extensive hours, whereas in-house positions can offer a more balanced lifestyle with steady compensation. Contract paralegals willing to negotiate can secure rates from $40 to $90 an hour during litigation preparation. While some may choose job stability with lower hourly rates to gain health benefits, others could pursue higher pay at the expense of job security. For those entering the job market in Missoula, being equipped with insights into hourly pay fluctuations and employer expectations can enhance negotiation outcomes.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 Missoula. 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