Paralegal Salary in Missouri
Based on 7K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$61,410
$29.52/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-1.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $97K
7K employed in Missouri
Discovering the **Paralegal salary in Missouri** reveals a median annual income of $61,410. This figure sits slightly below the national average, by approximately 1%, with actual earnings for paralegals in the state ranging from $42,150 to $96,820. Currently, Missouri employs around 7,130 paralegals.
Several factors can influence a paralegal's earnings within Missouri. These include the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of the law firm, years of experience, and specialized areas of legal practice. Educational attainment and professional certifications can also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,150 |
| 25th percentile | $47,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,410 |
| 75th percentile | $75,980 |
| 90th percentile | $96,820 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,410 |
| 2023 | $59,890 |
| 2024 | $58,730 |
| 2025 | $61,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,212 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,410 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $59,890 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $58,730 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $61,410 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,212 | $64,938 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,820 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Paralegal ($61,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MO | $133,450 | +117.3% | $64.16/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MO | $66,060 | +7.6% | $31.76/hr |
| Title Examiner in MO | $48,190 | -21.5% | $23.17/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MO | $61,530 | +0.2% | $29.58/hr |
| Editor in MO | $61,620 | +0.3% | $29.63/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MO | $61,640 | +0.4% | $29.63/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MO | $61,130 | -0.5% | $29.39/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MO | $61,050 | -0.6% | $29.35/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in MO | $62,280 | +1.4% | $29.94/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in MO | $62,380 | +1.6% | $29.99/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MO | $59,770 | -2.7% | $28.74/hr |
| Interior Designer in MO | $59,610 | -2.9% | $28.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in Missouri?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Missouri is $61,410 per year, which averages out to about $30 per hour. This median figure suggests that half of all paralegals in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How does a paralegal salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- Paralegals in Missouri earn, on average, 1.1% less than the national average. This means the typical Missouri paralegal salary might be slightly lower than what's seen across the entire United States.
What is the typical salary range for paralegals in Missouri?
- The salary range for paralegals in Missouri is quite broad, with most earning between $42,150 and $96,820 annually. This range reflects differences in experience, location within Missouri, and the specific type of legal practice.
How many paralegals are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 7,130 paralegals employed throughout Missouri. This indicates a substantial job market for individuals in this legal support role within the state.