Paralegal Salary in 2026
Paralegals assist attorneys by conducting research, drafting documents, organizing files, and managing case details. They support the legal process while working under attorney supervision.
Median Salary
$55,000
$4,583/mo
Entry Level
$39,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$73,000
experienced
Job Growth
+12%
10-yr outlook
Paralegal Overview
Paralegals assist attorneys by conducting research, drafting documents, organizing files, and managing case details. They support the legal process while working under attorney supervision.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
350K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$26.44/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,583
Paralegal Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Paralegal salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Paralegal Salary
$61,000
$5,083/month · $2,346/biweekly · $29.33/hr
Paralegal Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Paralegal field.
Entry-level Paralegals earn around $39,000, while the top 10% earn $82,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Paralegals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $63,000 | +$8,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Paralegals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $56,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $56,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $54,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Paralegal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Paralegal from entry level to expert.
$39,000
0-2 years
$56,000
3-7 years
$73,000
8-14 years
$92,000
15+ years
Related Legal Jobs
Paralegal Salary FAQ
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