Paralegal Salary in Virginia
Based on 10K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$63,990
$30.76/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $101K
10K employed in Virginia
The median Paralegal salary in Virginia sits at a competitive $63,990 annually, placing it approximately 3% above the national average. With an estimated 10,250 paralegals currently employed in the state, the demand for these legal professionals remains significant. This figure represents a strong earning potential for those in the field across the Commonwealth.
Several factors influence Paralegal salary in Virginia, including years of experience, specific skills, and the size and type of law firm. Location within Virginia also plays a role, with higher salaries often found in metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia and Richmond. Specialized areas of law and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential beyond the $47,860 to $100,550 range.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,860 |
| 25th percentile | $56,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,990 |
| 75th percentile | $81,590 |
| 90th percentile | $100,550 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,500 |
| 2023 | $59,580 |
| 2024 | $61,200 |
| 2025 | $63,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,907 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,500 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $59,580 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $61,200 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $63,990 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,907 | $64,935 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,550 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Paralegal ($63,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in VA | $167,210 | +161.3% | $80.39/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in VA | $65,940 | +3.0% | $31.70/hr |
| Title Examiner in VA | $54,230 | -15.3% | $26.07/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in VA | $63,980 | -0.0% | $30.76/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in VA | $63,920 | -0.1% | $30.73/hr |
| Social Worker in VA | $64,240 | +0.4% | $30.88/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in VA | $63,520 | -0.7% | $30.54/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in VA | $64,920 | +1.5% | $31.21/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in VA | $65,040 | +1.6% | $31.27/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in VA | $62,910 | -1.7% | $30.25/hr |
| Electrician in VA | $62,900 | -1.7% | $30.24/hr |
| Interior Designer in VA | $62,560 | -2.2% | $30.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in Virginia?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Virginia is $63,990 per year, which breaks down to approximately $31 per hour. This median figure means half of all paralegals in Virginia earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much can paralegals in Virginia expect to earn?
- Paralegals in Virginia typically earn within a range of $47,860 to $100,550 annually. The median salary sits at $63,990, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings in the state.
How does the paralegal salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Paralegals in Virginia earn 3.0% more than the national average. With a median salary of $63,990 annually, Virginia offers a slightly more lucrative market for these professionals.
How many paralegals are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 10,250 paralegals employed across Virginia. This indicates a significant job market for professionals in this field within the state.