Paralegal Salary in Washington
Based on 9K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$79,400
$38.17/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+27.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $117K
9K employed in Washington
Understanding the Paralegal salary in Washington reveals a median annual income of $79,400, which is a significant 28% above the national average. With an estimated 9,460 paralegals employed in the state, the earning potential spans from $50,470 to $116,750, indicating a robust market.
Factors influencing the Paralegal salary in Washington include experience level, the specific type of legal practice (e.g., large firms vs. solo practitioners), and geographical location within the state, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation. Specialized skills and certifications can also contribute to an individual’s earning capacity in this field.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,470 |
| 25th percentile | $62,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,400 |
| 75th percentile | $100,960 |
| 90th percentile | $116,750 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,260 |
| 2023 | $69,260 |
| 2024 | $78,010 |
| 2025 | $79,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,815 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,260 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $69,260 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $78,010 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $79,400 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,815 | $63,211 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $116,750 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Paralegal ($79,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in WA | $154,130 | +94.1% | $74.10/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in WA | $80,240 | +1.1% | $38.58/hr |
| Title Examiner in WA | $66,440 | -16.3% | $31.94/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in WA | $79,130 | -0.3% | $38.04/hr |
| Loan Officer in WA | $80,120 | +0.9% | $38.52/hr |
| Tax Examiner in WA | $80,930 | +1.9% | $38.91/hr |
| Editor in WA | $77,850 | -2.0% | $37.43/hr |
| Plumber in WA | $81,030 | +2.1% | $38.96/hr |
| Producer and Director in WA | $81,550 | +2.7% | $39.21/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in WA | $81,860 | +3.1% | $39.36/hr |
| Interior Designer in WA | $76,570 | -3.6% | $36.81/hr |
| School Counselor in WA | $82,670 | +4.1% | $39.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paralegal make in Washington?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Washington is $79,400 per year, which is approximately $38 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $50,470 and $116,750 annually.
What is the salary difference for paralegals in Washington compared to the national average?
- Paralegals in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. They make approximately 27.9% more than the national median salary.
What is the typical salary range for a paralegal in Washington state?
- In Washington, the salary for paralegals generally spans from $50,470 on the lower end to $116,750 for top earners. The median salary sits at $79,400 per year.
How many paralegals are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 9,460 paralegals currently employed in Washington state. This indicates a strong job market for the profession.