Paralegal Salary in Utica, NY: $56,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Utica, NY earns a median $56,775/year (≈ $27.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $61,260 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected paralegal salary in Utica, NY, stands at $56,775, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national median of $65,097. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $46,559, while experienced professionals at the high end can earn as much as $81,804. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating that while the local market provides competitive compensation, there is still a gap when aligned with national trends. The growing significance of e-discovery and certification from recognized organizations like NALA and NFPA can offer significant salary enhancement. Those entering specialty areas often enjoy a premium on pay, making it an attractive path for paralegals in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,559 | $22.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,171 | $24.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,775 | $27.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,406 | $32.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,804 | $39.33 |
Median Salary Position
12.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,245 (2026 est.). At $56,775, the local median is 12.78% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Utica Paralegal Pay Compares
Utica median: $56,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $62,528 | -9.20% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | -12.78% less |
Paralegals in Utica, NY earn a median of $56,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 9.20% below the New York state average of $62,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A paralegal earning $56,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,260 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,180
2025 BLS Actual
$54,850
2026 Current Est.
$56,775
2019–2027 Growth
+27.3%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 18.8% from $46,180 (2019) to $54,850 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,588 (27.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,559 – $50,171 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,171 – $56,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,775 – $67,406 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,406 – $81,804 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Utica
Utica's local job market currently employs approximately 170 paralegals, and with a cost-of-living index of 92.678, residents can expect relatively solid purchasing power despite salaries being lower than the national average. The variation in paralegal pay in Utica, NY, is influenced by various factors, including firm size, with BigLaw positions generally offering higher pay than smaller firms. In-house corporate legal departments tend to provide good work-life balance but may lag behind in compensation. The greatest pay differences often stem from areas of specialization, with e-discovery roles commanding the highest salaries due to the specialized skill set involved. For paralegals looking to maximize their earnings in Utica, pursuing certifications such as NALA's CP and NFPA's RP, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering bilingual capabilities can significantly enhance their marketability and earning potential.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,850 for paralegalsin the Utica metropolitan area. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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