How much does a Paralegal make?
A Paralegal plays a key role in the legal field, and they deserve fair compensation. The average yearly salary for a Paralegal is around $69,175. This is a solid figure that reflects the skill and responsibility needed for the job.
The salary range for Paralegals varies. The lowest-paid 10% earn about $36,000. The top-paid 10% make over $127,500 per year. Most Paralegals fall somewhere in the middle, with many earning between $52,636 and $94,227 annually. Factors like experience, location, and the size of the law firm can affect earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $95,132
In San Francisco, legal professionals work in a dynamic environment. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's tech scene ensures a steady demand for skilled legal support.
Find Paralegal jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $93,402
Seattle has a growing legal market, with major firms like Microsoft and Amazon. Paralegals here benefit from a vibrant job scene. The city's focus on tech and innovation creates many legal opportunities.
Find Paralegal jobs in Seattle, WA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $87,320
San Jose is a hub for tech companies such as Intel and Cisco. Paralegals play a key role in these firms. The city offers a strong legal market with many job options.
Find Paralegal jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $84,860
Los Angeles boasts a diverse legal field, with opportunities in entertainment and real estate. Firms like Disney and NBCUniversal need legal support. Paralegals here find a dynamic job market.
Find Paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $82,731
In Washington, DC, legal professionals work in government and law firms. Companies like Accenture and Deloitte offer solid job prospects. The city's political scene ensures a steady need for legal expertise.
Find Paralegal jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $80,922
San Diego has a strong legal market, with a mix of military and tech firms. Companies like Qualcomm and Navy Federal Credit Union provide many job openings. Paralegals here enjoy a balanced work environment.
Find Paralegal jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $80,341
Spokane offers a growing legal market with opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing. Firms like Spokane Public Schools and Washington Trust Bank need legal support. Paralegals find a stable job scene in this city.
Find Paralegal jobs in Spokane, WA
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $77,971
Chicago's legal field is vibrant, with major firms like Boeing and IBM. Paralegals here benefit from a diverse job market. The city's business environment ensures many legal opportunities.
Find Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $77,894
Denver has a strong legal market, with opportunities in energy and technology. Companies like Koch Industries and Comcast need legal support. Paralegals find a promising job scene in this city.
Find Paralegal jobs in Denver, CO
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $77,709
Sacramento offers a growing legal market, with a focus on government and education. Firms like the California State Legislature and the California Department of Education need legal support. Paralegals here find a stable job scene.
Find Paralegal jobs in Sacramento, CA
What are the best companies a Paralegal can work for?

-
State of Washington
Average Salary: $230,730
The State of Washington offers competitive salaries for paralegals. They have various departments where paralegals work, such as the Attorney General's Office, the Supreme Court, and the Department of Ecology. The state operates across many locations in Washington.
-
KPMG
Average Salary: $174,570
KPMG provides a solid salary for paralegals. Here, paralegals work closely with lawyers on projects related to tax, audit, and advisory services. KPMG operates worldwide, including major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
-
TEEMA
Average Salary: $155,654
TEEMA offers attractive compensation for paralegals. They focus on providing support for legal matters related to energy and environmental law. The company is based in Washington, D.C., and Washington State.
-
Latham & Watkins LLP
Average Salary: $133,143
Latham & Watkins LLP offers a competitive salary for paralegals. They work on a range of legal projects, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. The firm has offices in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
-
Lowenstein Sandler
Average Salary: $128,500
Lowenstein Sandler provides good salaries for paralegals. They focus on corporate and commercial law, real estate, and finance. The company has offices in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
-
LeoForce
Average Salary: $123,357
LeoForce offers a solid salary for paralegals. They place legal professionals in various roles, including litigation, intellectual property, and employment law. The company operates across the U.S., with offices in major cities.
-
Direct Talent Solutions
Average Salary: $122,105
Direct Talent Solutions offers competitive salaries for paralegals. They provide staffing for legal departments in corporate settings. The company operates in several states, including California, Texas, and New York.
-
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Average Salary: $121,945
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP offers competitive salaries for paralegals. They focus on corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. The firm has offices in several U.S. cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
-
Investment Property Group
Average Salary: $120,000
Investment Property Group provides a good salary for paralegals. They focus on real estate law, including commercial leasing and property management. The company operates in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
-
Axiom Law
Average Salary: $112,682
Axiom Law offers a solid salary for paralegals. They provide legal support for various practice areas, including corporate, litigation, and real estate. The company is based in California and operates in major cities across the state.
How to earn more as a Paralegal?
Becoming a paralegal can open the door to various career paths and salary opportunities. Paralegals support lawyers in various tasks, from research to document preparation. Some paralegals earn a good living, while others look for ways to increase their pay. Here are some strategies to help boost earnings as a paralegal.
First, gain more experience. Paralegals with more years in the field often earn higher salaries. Working with different types of law, such as criminal, corporate, or family law, can increase experience and skills. Seeking additional certifications can also improve job prospects and pay. Specialization in areas like intellectual property or immigration law can command higher salaries. Networking with other professionals in the legal field can lead to job opportunities that offer better pay. Finally, considering a move to a higher-cost-of-living area can result in higher pay. Some cities offer better salaries to attract legal talent.
Here are five key factors to consider for increasing paralegal earnings:
- Experience: The more you work in the field, the better your chances of earning more.
- Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications to stand out in the job market.
- Specialization: Focus on a niche area of law for higher demand and pay.
- Networking: Connect with other legal professionals to discover new opportunities.
- Location: Consider relocating to areas with higher salaries.



