The full salary range for Paralegals in the US runs from $44,740 at the 10th percentile to $101,500 at the 90th percentile. For most hiring decisions, the range between the 25th percentile ($50,340) and the 75th percentile ($80,080) is the most practical band to work within. Setting your offer within that middle range gives you room to differentiate based on experience without overpaying for entry-level candidates.
Paralegal salary in the US (2026)
The average Paralegal salary in the US is $69,700. The median salary of $62,890 is the better anchor for most offer decisions, since it reflects the midpoint of actual pay and is less affected by high earners at the top of the range. Paralegal pay varies widely by state, so where your role is located will have a direct impact on what you need to offer to attract qualified candidates.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Average Annual Salary | $69,700 |
Median Annual Salary | $62,890 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 392,880 employed Paralegals across the US.
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Paralegal salary percentiles
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $44,740 |
25th Percentile | $50,340 |
75th Percentile | $80,080 |
90th Percentile | $101,500 |
If you want to attract experienced Paralegals rather than entry-level candidates, plan to offer at least $80,080, which marks the 75th percentile. The full range runs from $44,740 at the 10th percentile to $101,500 at the 90th, giving you clear benchmarks for structuring offers across different experience levels.
How Paralegal salaries compare across states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Washington | $83,740 | $79,400 |
California | $81,320 | $77,390 |
Massachusetts | $81,160 | $77,640 |
Colorado | $80,760 | $78,190 |
New York | $76,890 | $68,410 |
Illinois | $72,310 | $63,670 |
Georgia | $71,210 | $62,400 |
Virginia | $70,740 | $63,990 |
Texas | $65,480 | $62,310 |
Florida | $63,250 | $61,000 |
Your budget for a Paralegal hire should reflect the state where the role is based, since pay expectations differ substantially by location. Hiring in Washington, California, Massachusetts, or Colorado means budgeting above $80,000 on average, while roles in Florida and Texas can be filled closer to the national median of $62,890. Anchoring your offer to the national average without adjusting for location risks losing candidates in higher-cost markets.
Frequently asked questions about Paralegal salary in the US
What is the salary range for a Paralegal in the US?
What do the top-earning Paralegals make nationally?
Paralegals at the 90th percentile earn $101,500 annually. When competing for senior talent, expect candidates with specialized experience or credentials to anchor their expectations near that figure. Budgeting at or above the 75th percentile of $80,080 positions your offer as competitive for experienced hires without reaching the very top of the market.
Which states pay the most for Paralegals?
Washington leads with an average Paralegal salary of $83,740, followed closely by California at $81,320, Massachusetts at $81,160, and Colorado at $80,760. If you are hiring in any of these states, plan to budget meaningfully above the national average of $69,700 to remain competitive. Roles in Florida ($63,250 average) and Texas ($65,480 average) allow for offers closer to the national median.
More salary data
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, for Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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