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
$62,890
$5,241/mo
Entry Level
$44,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$83,500
experienced
Job Growth
+12%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011) at a national median of $62,890 per year (mean $69,700), or $30.24 per hour, with 392,880 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
393K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$30.24/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,241
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
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Paralegal Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Paralegal field.
Entry-level Paralegals earn around $44,600, while the top 10% earn $94,350 or more.
Top Paying States for Paralegals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,110 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,000 | +$110 |
| Texas | $62,000 | $-890 |
| Florida | $62,000 | $-890 |
Top Paying Cities for Paralegals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,110 |
| Los Angeles | $70,000 | +$7,110 |
| Miami | $64,000 | +$1,110 |
| Philadelphia | $64,000 | +$1,110 |
| Houston | $62,000 | $-890 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Paralegal Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Paralegal.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Paralegal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Paralegal from entry level to expert.
$44,600
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$83,500
8-14 years
$105,200
15+ years
Related Legal Jobs
Paralegal Salary FAQ
How much does a Paralegal make in 2026?
The median salary for a Paralegal in the United States is $62,890 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011); the mean is $69,700. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $44,600, senior professionals around $83,500, and top earners at $105,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Paralegal?
A Paralegal typically requires a Associate's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Preparation, Case Management. Relevant certifications such as CLA or RP Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Paralegals?
The job market for Paralegals is projected to grow by 12% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 393K Paralegal positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 12%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Paralegals the most?
The highest-paying states for Paralegals include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $72,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Paralegal salary?
To increase your Paralegal salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Legal Research and Document Preparation. Pursue certifications such as CLA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $44,600 to $83,500 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Paralegal Salary
How we calculate Paralegal salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $62,890, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Paralegals and Legal Assistants; BLS mean $69,700; BLS hourly median $30.24.
- Entry-level ($44,600) and senior-level ($83,500) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +12% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 392,880 Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 12% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Legal sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Associate's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $62,890; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Paralegal compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegal job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Legal
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Paralegal salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Legal Research, Document Preparation, Case Management), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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