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Salary

How much does a Paralegal make?

The average salary for a Paralegal is $69,175 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal?

Paralegals in San Francisco enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation, with an average of $95,132. Similarly, Seattle offers paralegals a strong earning potential, with an average salary of $93,402. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, where paralegals can expect competitive salaries as well. These cities provide paralegals with excellent opportunities to advance their careers and earn a rewarding income. Paralegals in San Jose earn an average of $87,320, while those in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, can expect to earn $84,860 and $82,731, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $95,132 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $77,709.
  1. 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


  2. 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


  3. 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


  4. 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


  5. 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.
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  6. 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.
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  7. 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


  8. 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.
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  9. 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


  10. 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.
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What are the best companies a Paralegal can work for?

The State of Washington leads with the highest average salary for Paralegal jobs, offering around $230,730 annually. KPMG and TEEMA follow closely, each providing competitive compensation packages above $155,000 per year. These companies recognize the value of paralegals and offer attractive benefits to attract top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Paralegal jobs, highlighting State of Washington with the highest at $230,730 and Axiom Law with the lowest at $112,682.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Experience: The more you work in the field, the better your chances of earning more.
  2. Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications to stand out in the job market.
  3. Specialization: Focus on a niche area of law for higher demand and pay.
  4. Networking: Connect with other legal professionals to discover new opportunities.
  5. Location: Consider relocating to areas with higher salaries.

Currently 2,221 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
2,221 Job Openings