Paralegals Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Paralegals in the United States is $62,890 per year — about $30 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $50,340 and $80,080 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Paralegals
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $99,250 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $76,400 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,900 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $80,500 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $81,590 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $75,230 |
| Carson City, NV | $70,010 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,220 |
| Vallejo, CA | $79,280 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $79,850 |
Paralegals salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How much do Paralegals make in the US?
The median salary is $62,890 per year (about $30 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $50,340 and $80,080 a year.
How much do Paralegals make per hour?
About $30 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $62,890 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Paralegals?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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