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Salary

How much does a Paralegal make?

The average salary for a Paralegal is $69,689 per year in the US.

Paralegals support lawyers by doing research, managing documents, and helping with legal tasks. They work in various settings, such as law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The salary for paralegals can vary based on experience and location. The average yearly salary for a paralegal stands at around $69,689. This figure gives job seekers a solid understanding of what they can expect to earn in this role.

In more detail, here are the salary brackets for paralegals:

  • Bottom 10%: $35,558
  • 25th percentile: $44,144
  • 50th percentile (median): $61,315
  • 75th percentile: $78,486
  • Top 10%: $121,414 and above
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What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal?

Top cities for Paralegals offer high earning potentials. San Francisco, CA, stands out with an average salary of $98,448, followed closely by Seattle, WA, at $96,984. These cities provide lucrative opportunities for legal professionals seeking competitive pay. Apart from San Francisco and Seattle, several other cities rank high. San Jose, CA, offers an average salary of $90,669, while Los Angeles, CA, provides $87,162. These locations present attractive financial incentives for those in the paralegal field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $98,448 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $79,570.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $98,448
    In San Francisco, legal professionals thrive. The tech boom means many firms seek experts who understand both law and tech. Look for opportunities with large legal departments of tech giants.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $96,984
    Seattle offers a vibrant legal scene. The city's tech industry creates many openings. Major companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide good chances for legal support roles.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $90,669
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, has many tech firms. This means a high demand for legal support staff. Companies like Google and Apple often need paralegals.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $87,162
    Los Angeles has a dynamic legal market. Many entertainment firms need paralegals. Opportunities exist with major studios and production companies.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $83,600
    Spokane offers a balanced work environment. The legal field here is growing. Local firms and regional businesses need paralegals for various projects.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Spokane, WA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $82,655
    In Washington, DC, politics drive many legal needs. Government agencies and lobbying firms often look for skilled support staff. This city offers many chances for those interested in politics and law.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $82,452
    Santa Rosa provides a quieter yet robust legal field. Local firms and agricultural companies need paralegals. This city offers a mix of small businesses and larger legal departments.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $81,884
    San Diego has a diverse legal market. The tech and defense sectors are big here. Opportunities exist with both local firms and major corporations.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $80,075
    Minneapolis offers a strong legal community. The city's businesses value skilled legal support. Look for openings with local firms and large corporations.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $79,570
    Denver's legal market is growing. The city's businesses and non-profits need paralegals. Opportunities exist in various sectors, from tech to energy.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a Paralegal can work for?

The State of Washington offers the highest salaries for paralegals, with an average of $231,507 per year. Top law firms such as Latham & Watkins, Offit Kurman, and Lowenstein Sandler LLP also provide competitive salaries. These companies recognize the value paralegals bring and reflect this in their pay packages. Companies like Sidley Austin LLP, Axiom, and SNFout continue to offer strong compensation, with averages around $120,000. Firms such as Investment Property Group (IPG), Keller Postman LLC, and Barnes & Thornburg LLP also provide attractive salaries for paralegals. These opportunities can lead to a rewarding career in legal support.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting State of Washington with the highest at $231,507 and Barnes & Thornburg LLP with the lowest at $113,269.
  1. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $231,507
    The State of Washington offers rewarding Paralegal roles. These positions support legal teams in various locations, including Seattle, Olympia, and Spokane. The state handles a wide range of legal matters, making it a dynamic environment for Paralegals.


  2. Latham & Watkins
    Average Salary: $135,107
    Latham & Watkins provides excellent Paralegal opportunities. They offer diverse roles in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Their Paralegals assist attorneys in complex legal cases and projects, making it a highly respected firm.


  3. Offit Kurman
    Average Salary: $131,773
    Offit Kurman offers competitive Paralegal salaries. Their Paralegals work in cities such as Philadelphia and New York. The firm is known for its high-quality legal services, providing Paralegals with valuable experience.


  4. Lowenstein Sandler LLP
    Average Salary: $127,024
    Lowenstein Sandler LLP offers solid Paralegal opportunities. Based in New Jersey and New York, they provide roles that involve supporting attorneys in a variety of legal matters. This firm is well-regarded for its client service and team culture.


  5. Sidley Austin LLP
    Average Salary: $125,132
    Sidley Austin LLP is a leader in providing Paralegal roles. With offices in major cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, their Paralegals work on significant legal projects. The firm is known for its strong legal expertise.


  6. Axiom
    Average Salary: $122,659
    Axiom offers Paralegal positions with a focus on growth and development. Locations include New York and Los Angeles. They provide roles that involve a range of legal tasks, supporting attorneys in various projects.


  7. SNFout
    Average Salary: $121,568
    SNFout offers Paralegal roles that offer solid compensation and growth. Based in New York, their Paralegals assist attorneys in various legal matters. The firm is known for its supportive work environment.


  8. Investment Property Group (IPG)
    Average Salary: $120,000
    Investment Property Group (IPG) provides Paralegal opportunities with a focus on real estate law. Their offices in New York City offer roles that involve supporting legal teams in property transactions and disputes.


  9. Keller Postman LLC
    Average Salary: $116,091
    Keller Postman LLC offers Paralegal positions with a strong focus on litigation support. Locations include New York and Chicago. Their Paralegals work on high-stakes legal matters, providing valuable experience.


  10. Barnes & Thornburg LLP
    Average Salary: $113,269
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP offers Paralegal roles with competitive salaries. Their offices in Indiana and other states provide roles that involve supporting attorneys in complex legal cases. The firm is known for its legal expertise and client service.

How to earn more as a Paralegal?

A Paralegal can increase their earning potential by focusing on a few key strategies. Developing a range of skills can help set a Paralegal apart from others in the field. For instance, mastering both legal research and writing can lead to more responsibilities and higher pay. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate expertise and dedication to the profession.

Networking plays a significant role in career advancement. Building connections within the legal community can lead to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Attending legal conferences and joining professional organizations can provide access to exclusive job listings and insights into industry trends. Staying active in these networks can also lead to recommendations and referrals, which can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Gaining experience in a specialized area of law can also increase earning potential. Paralegals who work in high-demand fields, such as intellectual property or immigration law, often see higher salaries. Specialization can make a Paralegal more valuable to employers, leading to better job offers. Additionally, taking on leadership roles, such as managing a legal team or overseeing a specific project, can also result in higher pay.

Here are five factors to consider to earn more as a Paralegal:

  • Skill Development: Learn new skills such as advanced legal research, drafting legal documents, and understanding legal technologies.
  • Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized bodies to show commitment to professional growth.
  • Networking: Build relationships with other legal professionals to discover new job opportunities.
  • Specialization: Focus on a specific area of law to become an expert and command higher pay.
  • Leadership Roles: Take on responsibilities that involve managing teams or projects to increase earning potential.

Currently 2,173 Paralegal job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Paralegal in the US?

Learn what a Paralegal does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Paralegal today.
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Paralegal
2,173 Job Openings