Paralegal Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Paralegal make?

The average salary for a Paralegal is $63,865 per year in the US.

A Paralegal plays a key role in the legal field, assisting lawyers with various tasks. The salary for Paralegals can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Paralegal earns around $63,865 per year. This figure can change depending on several factors.

Factors that can influence a Paralegal's salary include the size of the law firm, the type of law practiced, and the region where they work. For instance, Paralegals in larger cities or specialized law firms often earn more. Entry-level Paralegals might start at around $36,500, while those with more experience can earn up to $110,250. This range shows that with more experience and skills, Paralegals can see significant salary growth.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal?

Paralegals can find some of the best pay in major cities across the country. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $89,345. Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, follow closely with salaries around $79,337 and $78,305, respectively. These cities offer strong opportunities for those seeking higher compensation in the legal field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $89,345 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $72,447.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $89,345
    In San Francisco, legal professionals thrive in the tech hub. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic roles. The city's vibrant legal scene provides diverse opportunities.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $79,337
    Los Angeles boasts a bustling legal environment. Entertainment giants like Disney and Warner Bros. need skilled legal support. The city offers a mix of corporate and entertainment law.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $78,305
    Washington, DC, is a hub for political and legal activity. Working here means proximity to government agencies and law firms. The city offers a unique blend of public and private sector roles.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $77,012
    Seattle's tech industry drives demand for legal talent. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft require robust legal support. The city's progressive environment fosters innovation in law.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $75,414
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers exciting legal roles. Tech firms like Apple and Cisco need legal expertise. The city's fast-paced tech scene is ideal for dynamic legal careers.
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  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $74,292
    Santa Rosa provides a balanced legal career with a smaller city feel. Local firms and wineries offer diverse opportunities. The area's relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
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  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $74,140
    San Diego combines a strong legal market with a pleasant lifestyle. Defense contractors and biotech firms need legal professionals. The city's beautiful beaches offer a great work-life balance.
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  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $72,669
    Chicago is a major center for law and finance. Large firms and corporations offer varied roles. The city's rich history and diverse culture make it an exciting place to work.
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  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $72,650
    Sacramento offers a mix of government and private sector legal jobs. Working here means being close to state agencies. The city's growing tech scene adds to the opportunities.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $72,447
    Denver provides a vibrant legal market with a strong outdoor culture. The city's growing tech and energy sectors need legal support. Denver's high altitude and beautiful mountains offer a unique lifestyle.
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What are the best companies a Paralegal can work for?

Paralegals can find top-paying opportunities at TEEMA, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Tesla. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive choices for job seekers. TEEMA leads with a high average salary, followed closely by Latham & Watkins LLP and Tesla.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting TEEMA with the highest at $116,719 and K&L GATES with the lowest at $130,048.
  1. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $116,719
    TEEMA offers exciting opportunities for Paralegals. They focus on providing top-notch legal services and support. TEEMA operates in various locations, ensuring Paralegals have diverse experiences.


  2. Latham & Watkins LLP
    Average Salary: $114,036
    Latham & Watkins LLP is a global law firm known for its strong legal support. Paralegals here work on complex cases and projects. The firm operates in many cities worldwide, providing a dynamic work environment.


  3. Tesla
    Average Salary: $112,977
    Tesla is a leader in the automotive and energy industry. Paralegals at Tesla handle legal matters related to innovation and sustainability. The company has offices in various locations, offering Paralegals diverse experiences.


  4. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
    Average Salary: $107,008
    Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP provides comprehensive legal services. Paralegals here support attorneys on various cases. The firm operates in multiple locations, ensuring Paralegals have varied experiences.


  5. King & Spalding
    Average Salary: $106,183
    King & Spalding is a prestigious law firm. Paralegals here work on high-profile cases. The firm operates in many cities, offering Paralegals a dynamic work environment.


  6. TBG
    Average Salary: $104,636
    TBG offers Paralegals the chance to work on impactful projects. They focus on legal support and client service. The company operates in various locations, providing Paralegals with diverse experiences.


  7. Prestige Staffing
    Average Salary: $103,303
    Prestige Staffing provides Paralegals with opportunities in different industries. They focus on matching talent with the right roles. The company operates in many locations, offering Paralegals varied experiences.


  8. Direct Talent Solutions
    Average Salary: $101,346
    Direct Talent Solutions offers Paralegals the chance to work on diverse projects. They focus on providing top-quality legal support. The company operates in various locations, ensuring Paralegals have varied experiences.


  9. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $100,792
    The Cigna Group offers Paralegals the chance to work in the healthcare industry. They focus on providing legal support for health services. The company operates in many locations, offering Paralegals diverse experiences.


  10. K&L GATES
    Average Salary: $130,048
    K&L GATES is a leading law firm. Paralegals here work on complex legal matters. The firm operates in many cities, offering Paralegals a dynamic work environment.

How to earn more as a Paralegal?

A Paralegal can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a specific field of law can lead to higher-paying opportunities. For example, working in corporate law or intellectual property can offer more lucrative positions. Continuous education and certifications can also enhance a Paralegal's skill set, making them more valuable to employers.

Networking and building strong relationships within the legal community can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending legal conferences and joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections. Additionally, gaining experience and demonstrating a strong track record can lead to promotions and higher salary offers. Paralegals who take on leadership roles or manage complex cases can command higher pay.

Here are five factors that can help a Paralegal earn more:

  1. Specialization: Focus on a specific area of law.
  2. Education: Pursue certifications and continuous learning.
  3. Networking: Build connections in the legal community.
  4. Experience: Take on complex cases and leadership roles.
  5. Promotions: Aim for higher positions within the firm.

Currently 3,292 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.
Position
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Paralegal
3,292 Job Openings