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Paralegal salary
Paralegals research legal issues, draft documents, and support attorneys.
Median annual
$61,000
Median hourly
$29
Top 10% earn
$98,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$42,000
Median$61,000
Top 10%$98,000
Paralegal salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $44,300 | $21 | -27% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $53,700 | $26 | -12% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $67,100 | $32 | +10% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $89,500 | $43 | +47% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified paralegals, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's plus certificate.
Job outlook
1% growth through 2033 — stable legal support demand.
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