Paralegal Hourly Pay in Wadsworth, OH: $26.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Wadsworth, OH runs $26.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Wadsworth's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wadsworth, Ohio, the paralegal hourly pay in 2026 is projected to be $26.71, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $31.30. This difference impacts various roles within the profession, particularly for part-time paralegals working three days a week, who depend on this hourly rate for their livelihood. Paralegals typically operate in diverse environments, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, with the hourly pay ranging from $20.45 for entry-level positions to $40.21 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and illustrate the earning potential across varying levels of experience, crucial for those considering part-time or per-diem work in Wadsworth’s legal market.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.45 | $163.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.11 | $176.88 |
| Median (P50) | $26.71 | $213.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.46 | $267.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.21 | $321.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wadsworth
Based on $26.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.71/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wadsworth, OH can expect to earn approximately $55,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,047. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wadsworth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wadsworth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,068.22 | $4,629 | $55,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.93 | $2,777 | $33,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $427.29 | $1,852 | $22,219 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Wadsworth) | $26.71 |
| 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 Wadsworth, OH earn a median of $55,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.68% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 7.80% below the Ohio state average of $60,242.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.71/hr = $33,329/year (purchasing power: $36,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,548/year (purchasing power: $61,243).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Wadsworth grew 21.6% from $21.23/hr (2019) to $25.80/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.64/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 Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
For part-time paralegals working a 24-hour week, earnings can yield a significant annual income, although not as substantial as full-time counterparts. In the per diem and contract space, agencies often offer rates between $25 to $50 per hour, tailored to specific specialties such as e-discovery, which can command $30 to $60 per hour, and freelance corporate paralegals who might earn $40 to $75. The compensation landscape in Wadsworth varies considerably across different employers, from large law firms to smaller boutique entities and government offices, each with unique benefits that impact hourly wages. Paralegals may opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits or seek higher hourly rates without perks. Effective negotiation skills are essential for navigating these discussions, with an industry standard that values readiness to adapt to different firm cultures and work settings. Recognizing these nuances can make a meaningful difference in your career trajectory in Ohio's legal community.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Wadsworth in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Wadsworth?
Are paralegals in Wadsworth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Wadsworth?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Wadsworth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth 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