Paralegal Salary in Colorado
Based on 6K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$78,190
$37.59/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+25.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$57K – $106K
6K employed in Colorado
Paralegals in Colorado earn a median salary of $78,190 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 26 percent. With approximately 5,620 paralegal workers employed throughout the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation for legal professionals. Salaries in this field typically range from $56,930 to $106,160 annually, reflecting the diversity of opportunities across the state's legal market.
Several factors influence paralegal salary in Colorado, including years of experience, specialization in specific practice areas, and the size and location of the employing law firm. Paralegals working in major metropolitan areas like Denver often command higher salaries than those in smaller communities. Additionally, advanced certifications, technical skills, and the complexity of legal work handled all play important roles in determining individual compensation levels within the state.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,930 |
| 25th percentile | $62,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,190 |
| 75th percentile | $95,070 |
| 90th percentile | $106,160 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,010 |
| 2023 | $68,860 |
| 2024 | $73,380 |
| 2025 | $78,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,881 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,010 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $68,860 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $73,380 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $78,190 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,881 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,160 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Paralegal ($78,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in CO | $168,520 | +115.5% | $81.02/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | -0.8% | $37.31/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in CO | $67,230 | -14.0% | $32.32/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | -0.2% | $37.53/hr |
| Interior Designer in CO | $78,390 | +0.3% | $37.69/hr |
| Editor in CO | $77,870 | -0.4% | $37.44/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CO | $77,500 | -0.9% | $37.26/hr |
| Writer and Author in CO | $76,830 | -1.7% | $36.94/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | -2.2% | $36.77/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CO | $79,970 | +2.3% | $38.45/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | -3.1% | $36.44/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CO | $80,680 | +3.2% | $38.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Colorado?
- The median salary for paralegals in Colorado is $78,190 per year, or $38 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25.9% increase compared to paralegals working elsewhere in the United States.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Colorado?
- Paralegal salaries in Colorado range from $56,930 on the lower end to $106,160 on the higher end. The difference between entry-level and experienced paralegals in the state is approximately $49,230.
Is the paralegal salary in Colorado above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado paralegals earn 25.9% more than the national average, with a median salary of $78,190 compared to the national median. This makes Colorado one of the more lucrative states for paralegal positions.
How many paralegals work in Colorado?
- There are 5,620 paralegals currently employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the legal field within the state.