Paralegal Salary in New York
Based on 34K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$68,410
$32.89/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+10.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $116K
34K employed in New York
The Paralegal salary in New York is a compelling subject for those in the legal support field. The median annual salary for paralegals in New York stands at $68,410, placing it a notable 10% above the national average. This figure reflects the robust demand and competitive landscape for skilled legal professionals within the state's bustling legal industry, where approximately 34,220 paralegals are employed.
Several factors influence the Paralegal salary in New York, with experience playing a significant role, as salaries can range from $48,330 to $115,720 annually. Location within New York, such as the higher cost of living and greater density of law firms in New York City compared to other areas, also contributes to salary variations. Additionally, the specific practice area and the size or prestige of the employing law firm can significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,330 |
| 25th percentile | $57,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,410 |
| 75th percentile | $94,200 |
| 90th percentile | $115,720 |
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 York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,730 |
| 2023 | $73,740 |
| 2024 | $66,390 |
| 2025 | $68,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,491 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,730 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $73,740 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $66,390 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $68,410 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,491 | $63,994 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,720 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Paralegal ($68,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in NY | $207,860 | +203.8% | $99.93/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in NY | $133,320 | +94.9% | $64.10/hr |
| Title Examiner in NY | $61,380 | -10.3% | $29.51/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NY | $67,600 | -1.2% | $32.50/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in NY | $67,180 | -1.8% | $32.30/hr |
| School Counselor in NY | $71,610 | +4.7% | $34.43/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in NY | $72,560 | +6.1% | $34.88/hr |
| Truck Driver in NY | $62,050 | -9.3% | $29.83/hr |
| Interior Designer in NY | $75,580 | +10.5% | $36.34/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NY | $76,080 | +11.2% | $36.58/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NY | $77,340 | +13.1% | $37.18/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in NY | $59,450 | -13.1% | $28.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in New York?
- The median salary for a paralegal in New York is $68,410 per year, which breaks down to approximately $33 per hour. This median figure means half of paralegals in New York earn more, and half earn less.
How much can paralegals in New York expect to earn?
- Paralegal salaries in New York typically range from $48,330 to $115,720 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within New York, and the type of legal setting.
Is the salary for paralegals in New York higher than the national average?
- Yes, paralegals in New York earn significantly more than the national average, with their median salary being 10.2% higher. This means a New York paralegal could expect to earn more than their counterparts in many other parts of the country.
How many paralegals are employed in New York?
- There are approximately 34,220 paralegals employed in New York. This indicates a substantial job market for legal support professionals in the state.