Paralegal Salary in New Jersey
Based on 12K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$71,500
$34.38/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+15.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $100K
12K employed in New Jersey
Discover the earning potential for a Paralegal salary in New Jersey, where the median annual wage stands at an impressive $71,500. This figure places New Jersey paralegals approximately 15% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for these legal professionals. With 12,010 workers employed in this role across the state, the market offers a substantial number of opportunities.
Several factors influence the Paralegal salary in New Jersey, with experience being a primary driver, as indicated by the salary range of $47,070 to $99,900. Location within the state, such as the greater New York City metropolitan area versus more rural regions, also plays a role. Additionally, the size and type of law firm, along with specialized areas of law, can significantly impact compensation for paralegals.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,070 |
| 25th percentile | $60,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $71,500 |
| 75th percentile | $80,920 |
| 90th percentile | $99,900 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,040 |
| 2023 | $68,370 |
| 2024 | $62,790 |
| 2025 | $71,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,790 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,040 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $68,370 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $62,790 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $71,500 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,790 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $71,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,900 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Paralegal ($71,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in NJ | $161,430 | +125.8% | $77.61/hr |
| Title Examiner in NJ | $61,930 | -13.4% | $29.77/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in NJ | $58,890 | -17.6% | $28.31/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NJ | $71,040 | -0.6% | $34.15/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NJ | $73,790 | +3.2% | $35.48/hr |
| Interior Designer in NJ | $74,020 | +3.5% | $35.59/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NJ | $74,210 | +3.8% | $35.68/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in NJ | $75,160 | +5.1% | $36.13/hr |
| Social Worker in NJ | $66,590 | -6.9% | $32.01/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NJ | $77,020 | +7.7% | $37.03/hr |
| Electrician in NJ | $77,250 | +8.0% | $37.14/hr |
| School Counselor in NJ | $77,910 | +9.0% | $37.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in New Jersey?
- The median salary for a paralegal in New Jersey is $71,500 per year, which is equivalent to $34 per hour. This figure is 15.1% higher than the national average for paralegals.
How much can a paralegal in New Jersey expect to earn?
- Paralegals in New Jersey typically earn between $47,070 and $99,900 annually. The median salary of $71,500 offers a strong benchmark for earning potential in the state.
What is the hourly wage for paralegals in New Jersey?
- The average hourly wage for a paralegal in New Jersey is approximately $34. This is derived from the median annual salary of $71,500.
How many paralegals are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 12,010 paralegals currently employed in New Jersey. This indicates a significant job market for the profession within the state.