Paralegal
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Paralegals are increasingly doing work that was once done by lawyers, which reduces client costs. Paralegals and legal assistants may work in all areas of the law.
$59,200
Median Salary
$63,344
Mean Salary
345,600
Total Employment
14%
Job Growth
Much faster than average
Associate's degree
Education
58,752
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $35,520
25th Percentile $46,176
Median $59,200
75th Percentile $75,776
90th Percentile $99,456
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 46,191
Texas 41,839
New York 28,148
Ohio 17,111
Florida 15,979
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $113,706 |
| 2 | New York | $91,418 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $90,738 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $85,295 |
| 5 | California | $79,136 |
| 6 | Alaska | $76,518 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $75,636 |
| 8 | Virginia | $74,286 |
| 9 | Oregon | $73,609 |
| 10 | Maine | $73,065 |
| 11 | New Hampshire | $70,720 |
| 12 | Washington | $69,573 |
| 13 | Nevada | $68,201 |
| 14 | Vermont | $67,972 |
| 15 | Maryland | $66,512 |
| 16 | Illinois | $65,065 |
| 17 | Rhode Island | $64,684 |
| 18 | Utah | $64,620 |
| 19 | Connecticut | $63,945 |
| 20 | Michigan | $61,216 |
| 21 | Colorado | $59,953 |
| 22 | Tennessee | $58,711 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania | $57,838 |
| 24 | Delaware | $57,747 |
| 25 | Georgia | $57,744 |
| 26 | Montana | $57,678 |
| 27 | Texas | $57,444 |
| 28 | Iowa | $57,148 |
| 29 | Arkansas | $56,332 |
| 30 | Missouri | $56,276 |
| 31 | Minnesota | $56,214 |
| 32 | Kansas | $55,584 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $55,515 |
| 34 | Indiana | $54,163 |
| 35 | Arizona | $53,919 |
| 36 | Florida | $53,631 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $53,172 |
| 38 | Idaho | $52,578 |
| 39 | Ohio | $52,340 |
| 40 | North Dakota | $51,963 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $51,454 |
| 42 | New Mexico | $51,155 |
| 43 | North Carolina | $50,693 |
| 44 | West Virginia | $50,143 |
| 45 | Wisconsin | $50,016 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $49,578 |
| 47 | Wyoming | $49,024 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $48,704 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $47,701 |
| 50 | Alabama | $46,889 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $43,624 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Paralegal?
The median salary for a Paralegal is $59,200 per year nationally. Salaries range from $35,520 (10th percentile) to $99,456 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Paralegal?
A Paralegal typically requires a associate's degree. Additional on-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
What is the job outlook for Paralegals?
Employment of paralegals is projected to grow 14% — much faster than average. About 58,752 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Paralegals the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for paralegals at $113,706 per year.