Paralegal Salary in the United States
Based on 393K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$62,104
$29.858/hr
▲ 5.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$60K – $132K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
393K
workers nationwide
Paralegals in the United States earn a median salary of $58,959 per year, according to recent labor data. With approximately 367,050 paralegals employed across the country, this legal support role represents a significant portion of the workforce. Understanding paralegal salary in the United States requires examining both typical earnings and the considerable variation that exists within the profession.
Several factors influence paralegal salary in the United States, including experience level, geographic location, and employer type. Attorneys in prestigious law firms or major metropolitan areas typically offer higher compensation, while those in smaller markets or nonprofits may pay less. Education, specialized skills, and certifications also play important roles in determining where individual paralegals fall within the salary range of $59,930 to $128,100.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,770 |
| 25th percentile | $72,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,104 |
| 75th percentile | $114,920 |
| 90th percentile | $131,650 |
Paralegal Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Paralegal
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $89,750 | +44.5% | 6K |
| 2 | Washington | $79,400 | +27.9% | 9K |
| 3 | Colorado | $78,190 | +25.9% | 6K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $77,640 | +25.0% | 8K |
| 5 | California | $77,390 | +24.6% | 47K |
| 6 | Minnesota | $75,570 | +21.7% | 7K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $71,500 | +15.1% | 12K |
| 8 | Alaska | $68,700 | +10.6% | 570 |
| 9 | New York | $68,410 | +10.2% | 34K |
| 10 | Vermont | $67,160 | +8.1% | 660 |
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $62,104 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for paralegals in the United States is $28/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $58,959, though hourly rates can vary based on location, experience, and employer.
What is the salary range for paralegals in the US?
- Paralegal salaries in the United States range from $59,930 to $128,100 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and the type of law firm or organization employing the paralegal.
Which city pays paralegals the most in the United States?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for paralegals in the United States, with an average salary of $99,300 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $58,959.
How many paralegals are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 367,050 paralegals employed across the United States. This represents a substantial workforce in the legal services industry.