Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $28.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lackawanna, NY runs $28.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,124 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lackawanna, NY, the paralegal hourly pay averages $28.14, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate reflects a substantial difference in earnings potential for both part-time workers and those engaging in per-diem roles. For someone working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the income may offer a decent supplement for personal needs or a transitional phase in their career. Entry-level paralegals in this market can expect around $22.40 per hour, while top earners, particularly with specialized skills or in high-demand roles, can command up to $43.16. These figures indicate that while the initial pay might be lower compared to larger metropolitan areas, there remains potential for growth and advancement within the profession.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.40 | $179.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.54 |
| Median (P50) | $28.14 | $225.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.15 | $281.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.16 | $345.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $28.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.14/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $58,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,773. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.77 | $4,878 | $58,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.46 | $2,927 | $35,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.31 | $1,951 | $23,416 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lackawanna) | $28.14 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $58,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $62,534.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.14/hr = $35,124/year (purchasing power: $30,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,540/year (purchasing power: $50,509).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lackawanna grew 21.6% from $22.37/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.13/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in Lackawanna, paralegals should carefully assess their earning capabilities. A part-time paralegal, averaging 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate, might bring in approximately $35,000 annually, compared to a full-time peer, which emphasizes the variance in income levels. Per-diem rates vary widely; freelance paralegals might charge anywhere from $25 to $75 per hour depending on their expertise and workload, with those specializing in e-discovery often earning the most. Different employers such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices each have their own pay structures, influencing overall compensation. Many paralegals face the choice of accepting lower hourly wages for jobs that provide benefits, such as health insurance, or pursuing higher pay without benefits. It's advisable for paralegals in Lackawanna to negotiate effectively, keeping in mind the local market and their specific skill sets to secure their desired rate.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Lackawanna in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Lackawanna?
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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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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