Paralegal Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 2K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$56,250
$27.04/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-9.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $80K
2K employed in Rhode Island
Exploring the Paralegal salary in Rhode Island reveals a median annual income of $56,250. This figure sits 9% below the national average, with the typical range falling between $43,370 and $79,650 for the approximately 2,070 employed paralegals in the state.
Several factors influence Paralegal salary in Rhode Island. Experience level, specific legal specializations, the size and type of law firm, and geographic location within the state can all contribute to where an individual's earnings fall within the reported range. Educational attainment and any relevant certifications may also play a role.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,370 |
| 25th percentile | $44,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,250 |
| 75th percentile | $66,120 |
| 90th percentile | $79,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in Rhode Island tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $68,190 |
| 2024 | $54,540 |
| 2025 | $56,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,014 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $68,190 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $54,540 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $56,250 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,014 | $64,051 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,650 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Paralegal ($56,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in RI | $138,960 | +147.0% | $66.81/hr |
| Title Examiner in RI | $63,300 | +12.5% | $30.43/hr |
| Construction Laborer in RI | $57,240 | +1.8% | $27.52/hr |
| Interior Designer in RI | $58,100 | +3.3% | $27.93/hr |
| Bookkeeper in RI | $53,280 | -5.3% | $25.62/hr |
| Truck Driver in RI | $60,190 | +7.0% | $28.94/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in RI | $60,310 | +7.2% | $29.00/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in RI | $52,140 | -7.3% | $25.07/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in RI | $51,770 | -8.0% | $24.89/hr |
| Social Worker in RI | $60,990 | +8.4% | $29.32/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in RI | $50,900 | -9.5% | $24.47/hr |
| Dental Assistant in RI | $50,150 | -10.8% | $24.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paralegal make in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Rhode Island is $56,250 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. The salary range for this profession in the state typically falls between $43,370 and $79,650 annually.
What is the average hourly wage for paralegals in Rhode Island compared to the national average?
- Paralegals in Rhode Island earn an average of $27 per hour. This is 9.4% less than the national average hourly wage for paralegals.
What is the typical salary range for paralegals in Rhode Island?
- Paralegals in Rhode Island can expect to earn between $43,370 and $79,650 per year. The median annual salary in the state is $56,250.
How many paralegals are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 2,070 paralegals currently employed in Rhode Island. This employment number contributes to the overall demand and salary landscape for the profession within the state.