Paralegal Salary in Lorain, OH: $60,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Lorain, OH earns a median $60,898/year (≈ $29.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $67,142 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Lorain, Ohio can expect a median annual salary of $60,898 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $65,097 for the same year. This discrepancy underscores the structural salary divide between various law firm tiers prevalent in the area. With a salary range from $41,316 at the 10th percentile to $94,392 at the 90th percentile, there is significant variability based on the type of employer. Certain mid-market and small firms may not match the compensation levels of larger firms, which typically offer higher pay for paralegals. These figures are derived from state-level data projections and adjusted regional price conditions, reflecting the local job market dynamics that may impact compensation strategies for paralegals in Lorain.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,316 | $19.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,485 | $24.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,898 | $29.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,716 | $36.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,392 | $45.38 |
Median Salary Position
6.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,076 (2026 est.). At $60,898, the local median is 6.45% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lorain Paralegal Pay Compares
Lorain median: $60,898/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $60,235 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,097 | -6.45% less |
Paralegals in Lorain, OH earn a median of $60,898 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.45% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $60,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A paralegal earning $60,898 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,142 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,402
2025 BLS Actual
$58,833
2026 Current Est.
$60,898
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,833 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,036 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.6% from $48,402 (2019) to $58,833 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,036 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,634 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $41,316 – $50,485 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,485 – $60,898 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,898 – $76,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,716 – $94,392 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Lorain
The paralegal job market in Lorain, featuring the employment of 12 paralegals, is influenced by the area's cost-of-living index, which stands at 90.7. This relatively low cost of living enhances take-home purchasing power, enabling local paralegals to make their salaries stretch further. Among local employers, law firms, particularly mid-size and corporate legal departments, tend to provide the highest salaries, albeit with varying benefits and work-life balance differences compared to smaller practices. The disparity in pay can also stem from specializations within the field, such as e-discovery, which commands premium rates, or certifications from recognized bodies like NALA or NFPA, that can enhance job prospects and salary potential. Paralegals in Lorain should consider pursuing in-demand skills and credentials, such as bilingual capabilities or niche experience in lucrative areas, to maximize their earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
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 $58,833 for paralegalsin the Lorain 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
Salary data for Lorain 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