Paralegal Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 15K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$63,370
$30.47/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $96K
15K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Paralegal salary in Pennsylvania is $63,370 annually, positioning the state's professionals at 2% above the national average. With approximately 14,670 workers in the field, Pennsylvania offers a robust employment landscape for paralegals. The salary range for these professionals in the state generally falls between $45,710 and $96,080 per year, reflecting a considerable span of earning potential.
Several factors influence a Paralegal salary in Pennsylvania, including years of experience, specific industry within the legal field, and geographic location within the state. Larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh often command higher salaries due to a greater demand and higher cost of living compared to more rural regions. Educational attainment and specialized certifications can also play a significant role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,710 |
| 25th percentile | $50,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,370 |
| 75th percentile | $78,980 |
| 90th percentile | $96,080 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,080 |
| 2023 | $61,220 |
| 2024 | $60,950 |
| 2025 | $63,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,886 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,080 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $61,220 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $60,950 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $63,370 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,886 | $64,570 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,080 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Paralegal ($63,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in PA | $157,180 | +148.0% | $75.57/hr |
| Title Examiner in PA | $52,220 | -17.6% | $25.11/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in PA | $50,590 | -20.2% | $24.32/hr |
| Editor in PA | $63,460 | +0.1% | $30.51/hr |
| Librarian in PA | $62,880 | -0.8% | $30.23/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in PA | $63,940 | +0.9% | $30.74/hr |
| Interior Designer in PA | $62,400 | -1.5% | $30.00/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in PA | $64,430 | +1.7% | $30.98/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in PA | $65,680 | +3.6% | $31.58/hr |
| School Counselor in PA | $60,880 | -3.9% | $29.27/hr |
| Graphic Designer in PA | $60,730 | -4.2% | $29.20/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in PA | $67,410 | +6.4% | $32.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for paralegals in Pennsylvania is $63,370 per year, which breaks down to about $30 per hour. This median figure is 2.0% higher than the national average for paralegals.
What is the typical salary range for a paralegal in Pennsylvania?
- Paralegal salaries in Pennsylvania generally fall between $45,710 and $96,080 annually. The median salary for this role in the state is $63,370 per year.
How many paralegals are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 14,670 paralegals employed across Pennsylvania. This makes it a significant field for legal support professionals within the state.
Is the salary for paralegals in Pennsylvania higher than the national average?
- Yes, paralegal salaries in Pennsylvania are slightly higher than the national average, by approximately 2.0%. The median annual salary in Pennsylvania is $63,370, compared to the national median.