Paralegal Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $29.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Chattanooga, TN runs $29.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,829 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, paralegals earn a median hourly pay of $29.51, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate plays a significant role for individuals working part-time, such as those in traditional law firm environments or corporate legal departments, where they may work three days a week. Given that the hourly range for paralegals in Chattanooga spans from $19.33 at entry-level positions to $40.54 for top earners, these rates reflect the potential income for both part-time and per-diem opportunities within various settings, including government offices and real estate closing rooms. The official data suggests that paralegals can expect varying experiences based on employer size and specialty, including significant opportunities for e-discovery professionals, particularly as remote work becomes more common.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.33 | $154.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.65 | $189.22 |
| Median (P50) | $29.51 | $236.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.58 | $268.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.54 | $324.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $29.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.51/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,413. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.43 | $5,115 | $61,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.26 | $3,069 | $36,829 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.17 | $2,046 | $24,553 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Chattanooga) | $29.51 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $61,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.72% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 13.30% above the Tennessee state average of $54,167.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.51/hr = $36,829/year (purchasing power: $40,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,382/year (purchasing power: $67,111).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Chattanooga grew 25.8% from $22.66/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.55/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Looking beyond the basic hourly figures, those considering part-time positions in Chattanooga face unique income landscapes compared to full-time paralegals. Working 24 hours a week at the median rate results in an estimated total income that can seem appealing but lacks the stability and benefits typically offered to full-time employees. For those in per-diem roles, there is a spectrum of potential billing rates; contract paralegals may charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, while experienced e-discovery specialists could see rates soar to $30-$60 per hour. Factors such as employer type greatly influence earning potential, with law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices offering varying compensation based on the level of responsibility and specialization. Additionally, the trade-off between higher hourly wages and health insurance benefits commonly leads paralegals to negotiate their terms carefully. While some might opt for lower-paying roles with better benefits, others may pursue freelance or contract work for more lucrative pay, all informed by their individual circumstances and career aspirations in the legal field.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Chattanooga?
Are paralegals in Chattanooga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Chattanooga?
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Related Pages
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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 Chattanooga. 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