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Salary

How much does a Paralegal make?

The average salary for a Paralegal is $68,698 per year in the US.

Becoming a paralegal can lead to a rewarding career with solid pay. The average yearly salary for paralegals is around $68,698. This means paralegals earn a good living that can support a family and allow for personal goals. It is also a stepping stone to higher positions in the legal field.

Salary can vary based on experience and location. Paralegals with a few years of experience usually earn between $52,570 and $68,666 a year. Those with more experience or in certain areas can make more. For example, a highly experienced paralegal in a big city might earn up to $125,000 annually. Paralegals also have the chance to grow in their career and increase their salary over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal?

Job seekers looking for Paralegal roles can find higher salaries in some cities. San Francisco, CA, offers the highest average salary at $93,170. Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, follow closely with average salaries around $90,000. Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, also present strong earning potential for legal professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $93,170 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $76,996.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $93,170
    Opportunities abound for legal professionals in San Francisco's vibrant tech scene. Companies like Salesforce and Google offer roles that require support in legal matters. The city's legal environment is dynamic and fast-paced.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,174
    Seattle offers a blend of corporate and tech law opportunities. Firms like Amazon and Microsoft look for skilled support in navigating complex legal landscapes. The city's progressive outlook benefits those in the legal field.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $85,862
    San Jose is home to Silicon Valley, where tech giants need legal support. Companies such as Apple and Intel require paralegals who can handle various legal tasks. The tech-driven environment offers unique challenges and growth.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $83,670
    In Los Angeles, the entertainment industry drives demand for legal support. Firms representing major studios seek paralegals for media law. The city's diverse industries provide a range of legal opportunities.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $82,376
    Washington, DC, offers political and legal opportunities. Government agencies and law firms need paralegals to assist with regulatory matters. The city's political climate ensures a steady need for legal expertise.
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  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $79,930
    San Diego's legal market focuses on defense and military law. Companies like Northrup Grumman require paralegals for defense-related legal tasks. The city's military presence influences its legal needs.
    Find Paralegal jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $77,763
    Santa Rosa provides a smaller city feel with a strong legal community. Local firms and corporations need paralegals for a variety of legal support tasks. The area's wineries add a unique touch to the job market.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $77,156
    Denver offers a mix of oil and gas law with legal support roles. Companies in the energy sector seek paralegals for regulatory compliance. The city's growing tech scene also offers legal opportunities.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Denver, CO


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $77,070
    Chicago's legal market is diverse and robust. Large corporations and law firms look for paralegals to manage complex cases. The city's rich history in law provides a stable and dynamic work environment.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $76,996
    Boulder offers a progressive and eco-friendly legal market. Local firms and non-profits seek paralegals for environmental law. The city's unique culture supports a community-oriented approach to legal work.
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What are the best companies a Paralegal can work for?

Paralegals can find rewarding career opportunities with some of the top-paying companies in the industry. The State of Washington offers an average salary of $205,112, making it a highly attractive option for legal professionals. Other leading firms, such as KPMG and TEEMA, also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $172,485 and $157,385 respectively. These companies recognize the value of paralegal expertise and offer attractive compensation packages. Latham & Watkins LLP and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, among others, provide salaries around $133,382 and $127,273, respectively. Lowenstein Sandler, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, and Direct Talent Solutions follow closely behind, all offering salaries above $117,000. These firms value paralegals and offer strong financial incentives for their skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting State of Washington with the highest at $205,112 and Axiom Law with the lowest at $112,682.
  1. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $205,112
    The State of Washington offers competitive salaries for Paralegals. These roles involve supporting attorneys in legal research and document preparation. The company operates across the state, with significant offices in Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma.


  2. KPMG
    Average Salary: $172,485
    KPMG provides a robust environment for Paralegals. Here, Paralegals assist in complex legal matters, ensuring compliance and documentation. KPMG has offices in major cities across the country, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.


  3. TEEMA
    Average Salary: $157,385
    TEEMA values Paralegals who excel in legal support services. These roles focus on preparing legal documents and managing case files. TEEMA operates in California, with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.


  4. Latham & Watkins LLP
    Average Salary: $133,382
    Latham & Watkins LLP offers Paralegals an opportunity to work in high-stakes legal environments. They assist in litigation and corporate matters, working closely with attorneys. This firm has offices in major cities worldwide, including New York and London.


  5. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
    Average Salary: $127,273
    Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP provides Paralegals with varied legal support. Roles include preparing legal documents and handling case management. The firm operates in major cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.


  6. Lowenstein Sandler
    Average Salary: $125,714
    Lowenstein Sandler offers Paralegals roles that involve extensive legal research and document preparation. The company operates in New Jersey and New York, with offices in major cities.


  7. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
    Average Salary: $120,425
    Davis Wright Tremaine LLP provides Paralegals with opportunities to support attorneys in litigation and corporate work. The company has offices in major cities on the West Coast, including Seattle and San Diego.


  8. Direct Talent Solutions
    Average Salary: $117,396
    Direct Talent Solutions offers Paralegals roles that involve supporting attorneys in various legal matters. This company has offices in major cities, including Houston and Austin.


  9. Kirkland & Ellis
    Average Salary: $114,045
    Kirkland & Ellis provides Paralegals with roles in litigation and corporate law. They assist attorneys in document preparation and research. The company operates in major cities like Chicago and New York.


  10. Axiom Law
    Average Salary: $112,682
    Axiom Law offers Paralegals roles in legal support, focusing on document review and case management. The company operates in major cities across the U.S., including San Francisco and Boston.

How to earn more as a Paralegal?

A Paralegal plays an important role in the legal system. They support lawyers and judges by handling various tasks. Paralegals can increase their earning potential through several avenues. Focusing on these factors can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities.

Here are some steps to consider for earning more as a Paralegal:

  1. Gain specialized skills: Learning more about specific legal areas can boost earning potential. Specializing in areas such as family law, intellectual property, or corporate law can make a Paralegal more valuable.
  2. Obtain advanced certifications: Earning certifications such as Certified Paralegal (CP) or Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) can enhance credibility. These credentials show a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher pay.
  3. Increase experience: Working in various law firms or legal departments can provide a broader skill set. Each new experience adds to a Paralegal’s expertise and value in the job market.
  4. Pursue higher education: While not always necessary, obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree can open up higher-paying roles. These degrees provide deeper knowledge and can lead to management or specialized positions.
  5. Network effectively: Building a strong professional network can lead to more job opportunities. Attending legal conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other legal professionals can open doors to better-paying positions.

Currently 2,671 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
Overview
Paralegal
2,671 Job Openings