Paralegal Hourly Pay in Ashland, OR: $26.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Ashland, OR runs $26.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,136 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,677 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hourly compensation for paralegals in Ashland, OR is projected to reach a median of $26.99 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $31.30. This difference is significant for both full-time and part-time professionals in the field, particularly those working in law firms, corporate legal departments, or as freelance specialists. Part-time paralegals, who may work three days a week, can still create a viable income stream through this hourly rate, potentially earning around $39,590 annually based on a typical schedule. The hourly pay range reflects varying experience levels, starting at approximately $19.65 for entry-level positions and going up to $41.83 for seasoned professionals, offering multiple pathways in the career for both established paralegals and newcomers.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.65 | $157.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.66 | $181.27 |
| Median (P50) | $26.99 | $215.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.54 | $260.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.83 | $334.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland
Based on $26.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.99/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, OR can expect to earn approximately $56,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,382. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ashland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,079.40 | $4,677 | $56,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.64 | $2,806 | $33,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.76 | $1,871 | $22,452 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Ashland) | $26.99 |
| 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 Ashland, OR earn a median of $56,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.77% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,215.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.99/hr = $33,677/year (purchasing power: $32,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,129/year (purchasing power: $54,707).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Ashland grew 21.6% from $21.45/hr (2019) to $26.07/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.93/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 Ashland 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 Ashland
For paralegals considering flexible work arrangements, the potential for per diem or contract work is substantial in Ashland. Part-time paralegals earning $26.99 an hour make a solid income, but those taking on per diem roles can often expect rates ranging from $25 to $50 an hour, especially in e-discovery or trial preparation settings, where rates can reach up to $90 during high-demand periods. The type of employer also influences pay scales significantly; larger firms may offer premium rates while corporate in-house positions often balance lower wages with benefits. Paralegals who accept jobs with lower hourly rates must weigh the trade-offs of steady income and health coverage against the more unpredictable freelance opportunities that promise higher hourly wages. For optimal negotiations, it's advisable to research rates specific to Ashland and to emphasize any specialized experience, especially in high-demand areas like e-discovery.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
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 Ashland. 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 Ashland 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