Paralegal Salary in Minnesota
Based on 7K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$75,570
$36.33/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $103K
7K employed in Minnesota
Paralegals in Minnesota earn a median salary of $75,570 per year, positioning the state well above the national average. With approximately 7,400 paralegal workers employed across Minnesota, the field offers competitive compensation that reflects strong demand for legal support professionals in the region.
Paralegal salary in Minnesota varies based on several key factors, including experience level, specific legal practice area, and employer size. Salaries typically range from $47,730 to $102,920 annually, with experienced paralegals in larger firms or specialized practice areas commanding higher compensation. Geographic location within the state, educational credentials, and specialized certifications also influence earning potential in this profession.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,730 |
| 25th percentile | $56,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,570 |
| 75th percentile | $83,420 |
| 90th percentile | $102,920 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,380 |
| 2023 | $62,590 |
| 2024 | $67,320 |
| 2025 | $75,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,104 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,380 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $62,590 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $67,320 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $75,570 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,104 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,920 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Paralegal ($75,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MN | $155,140 | +105.3% | $74.59/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MN | $71,070 | -6.0% | $34.17/hr |
| Title Examiner in MN | $58,250 | -22.9% | $28.00/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MN | $75,500 | -0.1% | $36.30/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in MN | $76,000 | +0.6% | $36.54/hr |
| Social Worker in MN | $75,020 | -0.7% | $36.07/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MN | $76,350 | +1.0% | $36.71/hr |
| Producer and Director in MN | $76,360 | +1.0% | $36.71/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MN | $76,460 | +1.2% | $36.76/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MN | $76,710 | +1.5% | $36.88/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in MN | $77,540 | +2.6% | $37.28/hr |
| Librarian in MN | $77,650 | +2.8% | $37.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for paralegals in Minnesota is $75,570 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 21.7% higher than the national average, making Minnesota a competitive state for paralegal compensation.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Minnesota?
- Paralegal salaries in Minnesota range from $47,730 at the lower end to $102,920 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career progression and market demand across the state.
Is paralegal a good paying job in Minnesota?
- Yes, paralegal is a well-paying job in Minnesota with a median salary of $75,570 annually, which exceeds the national average by 21.7%. With approximately 7,400 paralegals employed statewide, there are consistent job opportunities in the field.
How many paralegals work in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 7,400 paralegals employed in Minnesota. This represents a substantial workforce in the legal services sector across the state.