Paralegal Salary in Maryland
Based on 6K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$65,640
$31.56/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+5.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $108K
6K employed in Maryland
Paralegals in Maryland earn a median salary of $65,640 per year, positioning the state competitively within the legal services sector. With approximately 6,460 paralegals employed across Maryland, the median income stands 6% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for legal support professionals in the state's robust legal market.
Paralegal salary in Maryland varies considerably based on several key factors, including experience level, specialized expertise, and employer type. Salaries typically range from $48,260 to $108,380 annually, with experienced paralegals in major metropolitan areas and large law firms commanding higher compensation. Geographic location within the state, educational credentials, and the complexity of legal work also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,260 |
| 25th percentile | $51,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,640 |
| 75th percentile | $84,700 |
| 90th percentile | $108,380 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,760 |
| 2023 | $64,940 |
| 2024 | $63,560 |
| 2025 | $65,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,788 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,760 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $64,940 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $63,560 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $65,640 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,788 | $64,136 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,380 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Paralegal ($65,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MD | $139,110 | +111.9% | $66.88/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MD | $70,110 | +6.8% | $33.71/hr |
| Title Examiner in MD | $55,460 | -15.5% | $26.66/hr |
| Plumber in MD | $65,400 | -0.4% | $31.44/hr |
| Interior Designer in MD | $65,070 | -0.9% | $31.28/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MD | $64,750 | -1.4% | $31.13/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in MD | $61,660 | -6.1% | $29.64/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MD | $70,040 | +6.7% | $33.67/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MD | $70,870 | +8.0% | $34.07/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in MD | $59,530 | -9.3% | $28.62/hr |
| Truck Driver in MD | $59,360 | -9.6% | $28.54/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MD | $58,300 | -11.2% | $28.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Maryland?
- The median salary for paralegals in Maryland is $65,640 per year, or $32 per hour. This is 5.7% higher than the national average for paralegals, making Maryland a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Maryland?
- Paralegals in Maryland earn between $48,260 and $108,380 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. This wide range reflects the differences between entry-level positions and highly experienced paralegals in specialized fields.
How many paralegals are employed in Maryland?
- There are currently 6,460 paralegals employed in Maryland, indicating a stable job market for legal professionals in the state.
Is the paralegal salary in Maryland above the national average?
- Yes, Maryland's median paralegal salary of $65,640 is 5.7% higher than the national average, making it one of the better-paying states for paralegals.