Paralegal Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 8K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$77,640
$37.33/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+25.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $117K
8K employed in Massachusetts
Paralegals in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $77,640 per year, which is approximately 25% above the national average. With roughly 7,800 paralegals employed throughout the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation for legal professionals. Salaries in the field range from $49,770 to $117,480 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Paralegal salary in Massachusetts varies based on several key factors, including experience level, education, and employer type. Attorneys' offices in major metropolitan areas like Boston typically offer higher compensation than smaller firms or regional markets. Specialization in high-demand practice areas, such as corporate or intellectual property law, can also significantly impact earning potential for experienced paralegals in the state.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,770 |
| 25th percentile | $62,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,640 |
| 75th percentile | $96,820 |
| 90th percentile | $117,480 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,360 |
| 2023 | $70,570 |
| 2024 | $74,990 |
| 2025 | $77,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,384 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,360 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $70,570 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $74,990 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $77,640 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,384 | $64,299 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $117,480 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Paralegal ($77,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MA | $176,680 | +127.6% | $84.94/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MA | $143,350 | +84.6% | $68.92/hr |
| Title Examiner in MA | $69,100 | -11.0% | $33.22/hr |
| Librarian in MA | $78,540 | +1.2% | $37.76/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MA | $76,710 | -1.2% | $36.88/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in MA | $76,660 | -1.3% | $36.86/hr |
| Police Officer in MA | $78,940 | +1.7% | $37.95/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MA | $79,300 | +2.1% | $38.13/hr |
| Electrician in MA | $79,420 | +2.3% | $38.18/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MA | $79,660 | +2.6% | $38.30/hr |
| School Counselor in MA | $79,930 | +2.9% | $38.43/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | +3.2% | $38.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for paralegals in Massachusetts is $77,640 per year, or $37 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Massachusetts?
- Paralegal salaries in Massachusetts range from a low of $49,770 to a high of $117,480 per year, depending on experience, education, and employer type.
Is paralegal salary in Massachusetts above the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts paralegal salaries are 25% above the national average, with a median of $77,640 compared to lower national averages, making it an attractive state for this profession.
How many paralegals are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 7,800 paralegals employed throughout Massachusetts, representing a substantial job market for legal professionals in the state.