Paralegal Hourly Pay in Manassas, VA: $28.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Manassas, VA runs $28.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Manassas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,408 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the paralegal hourly pay in Manassas, Virginia, is projected to be $28.37, which falls below the national hourly median of $31.30. This disparity suggests that paralegals in this region may find themselves earning less than their counterparts in many other areas across the country. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,360 monthly, which makes for a substantial but limited income. Additionally, per-diem paralegals in Manassas can expect varying rates based on their assignments; typical work environments include law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, and e-discovery review spaces. Starting at around $21.34 per hour for entry-level positions, the potential to reach up to $43.98 is available for experienced professionals, indicating a competitive albeit challenging job market.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.34 | $170.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.24 | $185.90 |
| Median (P50) | $28.37 | $226.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.23 | $289.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.98 | $351.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manassas
Based on $28.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.37/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manassas, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,047. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manassas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manassas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.88 | $4,918 | $59,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.93 | $2,951 | $35,408 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.95 | $1,967 | $23,606 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Manassas) | $28.37 |
| 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 Manassas, VA earn a median of $59,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 2.80% below the Virginia state average of $60,716.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.37/hr = $35,408/year (purchasing power: $34,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,014/year (purchasing power: $57,184).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Manassas grew 21.6% from $22.55/hr (2019) to $27.41/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.37/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 Manassas 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 Manassas
Considering part-time work, a paralegal employed at this median hourly rate who works 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home pay well below that of full-time counterparts. This limitation can make part-time roles a consideration for those seeking flexibility rather than maximum income. Furthermore, per diem paralegal pay in Manassas varies significantly; contract paralegals might bill anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized e-discovery roles can command $30 to $60 per hour, and freelance paralegals may earn between $40 and $75 hourly. Work opportunities across various employer types, including law firms and corporate legal departments, can complicate the decision to pursue traditionally lower-paying roles that come with benefits vs. higher-paying positions without health coverage. Negotiating a rate in Manassas can be informed by local market conditions; potential workers should consider asking about benefits alongside hourly compensation to maximize their total earning potential.
More salary data for Manassas, VA:
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 Manassas. 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 Manassas 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