Paralegal Salary in the United States
Based on 393K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$62,104
$29.86/hr
▲ 5.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$44K – $92K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
393K
workers nationwide
The median Paralegal salary in the United States is $62,104 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for paralegals across the country, with a typical salary range falling between $44,076 and $91,973 annually.
Several factors influence a paralegal's compensation, including experience level, geographic location, and the specific industry or type of law firm they work for. The District of Columbia, for example, offers the highest average salaries, reflecting regional cost of living and demand for legal services.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,076 |
| 25th percentile | $51,185 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,104 |
| 75th percentile | $76,416 |
| 90th percentile | $91,973 |
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 |
Paralegal Salary by Industry
How much Paralegals earn across industries nationwide — Wholesale Trade pays the most ($97,880 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | +57.6% | 710 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $97,640 | +57.2% | 1K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | +55.2% | 110 |
| 4 | Utilities | $95,330 | +53.5% | 280 |
| 5 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | +52.9% | 1K |
| 6 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | +52.3% | 7K |
| 7 | Transportation and Warehousing | $88,090 | +41.8% | 300 |
| 8 | Information | $87,390 | +40.7% | 2K |
| 9 | Construction | $85,060 | +37.0% | 390 |
| 10 | Retail Trade | $83,740 | +34.8% | 170 |
| 11 | Finance and Insurance | $80,120 | +29.0% | 11K |
| 12 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $79,730 | +28.4% | 160 |
| 13 | Educational Services | $74,560 | +20.1% | 1K |
| 14 | Accommodation and Food Services | $69,210 | +11.4% | 30 |
| 15 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $67,290 | +8.4% | 48K |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $64,470 | +3.8% | 2K |
| 17 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $61,840 | -0.4% | 310K |
| 18 | Administrative and Support Services | $61,800 | -0.5% | 5K |
| 19 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,660 | -7.2% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,417 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,185 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,104 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,416 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $91,973 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average paralegal salary in the US?
- The median paralegal salary in the United States is $62,104 per year. This means half of all paralegals earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for paralegals?
- Paralegal salaries in the US typically range from $44,076 to $91,973 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays paralegals the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest paralegal salaries, with an average of $89,750 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many paralegals are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 392,910 paralegals employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial and active job market for this profession.