Paralegal Salary in Kentucky
Based on 4K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$59,830
$28.76/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-3.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $79K
4K employed in Kentucky
Paralegals in Kentucky earn a median salary of $59,830 per year, with approximately 3,540 professionals currently employed throughout the state. Paralegal salary in Kentucky runs about 4% below the national average, though compensation varies significantly based on experience and employer type. Salaries in the state range from $36,560 at the entry level to $78,730 for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence paralegal compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational background, and the employing organization. Law firms in major cities like Louisville and Lexington typically offer higher salaries than smaller practices or rural areas. Additionally, specialization in complex legal areas and professional certifications can positively impact earning potential in the state's legal market.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,560 |
| 25th percentile | $47,220 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,830 |
| 75th percentile | $70,920 |
| 90th percentile | $78,730 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,810 |
| 2023 | $49,800 |
| 2024 | $49,000 |
| 2025 | $59,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,420 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,810 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $49,800 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $49,000 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $59,830 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,420 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,220 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,730 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Paralegal ($59,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in KY | $101,550 | +69.7% | $48.82/hr |
| Title Examiner in KY | $52,860 | -11.6% | $25.41/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -0.2% | $28.71/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in KY | $60,150 | +0.5% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in KY | $59,430 | -0.7% | $28.57/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | +0.8% | $28.98/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | -1.0% | $28.48/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | +1.1% | $29.07/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | +1.1% | $29.08/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in KY | $59,110 | -1.2% | $28.42/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | +1.3% | $29.14/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | +1.8% | $29.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for paralegals in Kentucky is $59,830 per year, or $29 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a 3.7% difference.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Kentucky?
- Paralegal salaries in Kentucky range from $36,560 at the lower end to $78,730 at the upper end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How many paralegals work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 3,540 paralegals currently employed in Kentucky, making it a notable portion of the state's legal support workforce.
Is a paralegal salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median paralegal salary of $59,830 is slightly below the national average by 3.7%, though the state still offers reasonable compensation for legal support professionals.