Paralegal Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 5K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$58,500
$28.13/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $86K
5K employed in Wisconsin
Exploring the Paralegal salary in Wisconsin reveals a median annual income of $58,500. This figure positions Wisconsin paralegals approximately 6% below the national average, with the typical salary range falling between $45,220 and $86,210. Currently, there are an estimated 4,780 paralegals employed across the state.
Several factors influence the Paralegal salary in Wisconsin. Experience level is a significant determinant, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher pay. Additionally, the size and type of the employing law firm, the specific area of legal practice, and the geographic location within Wisconsin—such as major metropolitan areas versus rural regions—can all impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,220 |
| 25th percentile | $47,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,500 |
| 75th percentile | $71,130 |
| 90th percentile | $86,210 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,970 |
| 2023 | $53,040 |
| 2024 | $56,520 |
| 2025 | $58,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,549 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,970 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $53,040 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $56,520 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $58,500 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,549 | $64,280 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $71,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,210 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Paralegal ($58,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in WI | $126,760 | +116.7% | $60.94/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in WI | $54,250 | -7.3% | $26.08/hr |
| Title Examiner in WI | $48,070 | -17.8% | $23.11/hr |
| Truck Driver in WI | $58,610 | +0.2% | $28.18/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in WI | $58,810 | +0.5% | $28.27/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in WI | $58,120 | -0.6% | $27.94/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WI | $59,350 | +1.5% | $28.53/hr |
| Graphic Designer in WI | $59,900 | +2.4% | $28.80/hr |
| Construction Laborer in WI | $56,100 | -4.1% | $26.97/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in WI | $55,810 | -4.6% | $26.83/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in WI | $61,210 | +4.6% | $29.43/hr |
| Social Worker in WI | $61,860 | +5.7% | $29.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a paralegal in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Wisconsin is $58,500 per year, which breaks down to about $28 per hour. The salary range for paralegals in the state falls between $45,220 and $86,210 annually.
How does the average paralegal salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
- Paralegals in Wisconsin earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries in the state being approximately 5.8% lower. This means the median Wisconsin paralegal salary of $58,500 is below the national median.
What is the potential earning range for paralegals in Wisconsin?
- Paralegals in Wisconsin can expect to earn within a range of $45,220 to $86,210 per year. The median salary, representing the midpoint of all salaries, is $58,500 annually.
How many paralegals are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 4,780 paralegals employed in Wisconsin. This indicates a significant presence of this profession within the state's legal industry.