Paralegal Salary in Tennessee
Based on 6K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$58,820
$28.28/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $83K
6K employed in Tennessee
The median Paralegal salary in Tennessee stands at $58,820 annually. This figure falls 5% below the national average, indicating a slightly lower earning potential for paralegals within the state compared to their counterparts nationwide. Currently, approximately 6,080 paralegals are employed in Tennessee, working within a salary range of $43,570 to $83,100.
Several factors influence Paralegal salary in Tennessee. These include the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of law firm, years of experience, and specialized skills or certifications held by the paralegal. Higher demand in metropolitan areas or for niche legal expertise can also lead to more competitive compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,570 |
| 25th percentile | $47,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,820 |
| 75th percentile | $67,470 |
| 90th percentile | $83,100 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,420 |
| 2023 | $50,510 |
| 2024 | $55,270 |
| 2025 | $58,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,349 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,420 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $50,510 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $55,270 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $58,820 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,349 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,100 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Paralegal ($58,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in TN | $136,180 | +131.5% | $65.47/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in TN | $75,190 | +27.8% | $36.15/hr |
| Title Examiner in TN | $50,240 | -14.6% | $24.15/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | +0.1% | $28.30/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in TN | $58,870 | +0.1% | $28.30/hr |
| Truck Driver in TN | $58,620 | -0.3% | $28.18/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | -0.4% | $28.17/hr |
| Police Officer in TN | $59,280 | +0.8% | $28.50/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | +1.2% | $28.63/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -1.3% | $27.92/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in TN | $58,050 | -1.3% | $27.91/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | +1.9% | $28.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paralegal make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Tennessee is $58,820 per year, which breaks down to approximately $28 per hour. This means half of all paralegals in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for paralegals in Tennessee?
- Paralegals in Tennessee can expect to earn between $43,570 and $83,100 annually. The specific amount depends on factors like experience, location within Tennessee, and employer.
Is the average paralegal salary in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- Paralegals in Tennessee earn, on average, 5.3% less than the national median salary. This suggests a slightly lower earning potential compared to the rest of the country.
How many paralegal jobs are there in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 6,080 employed paralegals across the state of Tennessee. This number reflects the overall demand and presence of paralegal roles within the Tennessee job market.