How much do paralegals make?
Paralegals and legal assistants earn a median of about $61,010 per year (roughly $29.33 per hour), according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Most earn between about $39,710 and $98,990 depending on experience, location, and practice area.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th percentile) | Under $39,710/yr | About $19.09/hr; new paralegals and lower-cost regions. |
| 25th percentile | ~$48,000/yr | Roughly $23/hr; early-career paralegals. |
| Median (typical) | $61,010/yr | About $29.33/hr; the middle of the wage range. |
| Mean (average) | $66,250/yr | About $31.85/hr; pulled up by high earners. |
| Experienced (top 10%) | Over $98,990/yr | About $47.59/hr; senior or specialized roles. |
Typical paralegal pay
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,010 for paralegals and legal assistants, which works out to about $29.33 per hour. The mean (average) wage is somewhat higher at $66,250 per year, or roughly $31.85 per hour, because top earners pull the average above the median.
Half of all paralegals earn within a band roughly from the high $40,000s to the mid $70,000s. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,710 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $98,990, showing how much experience and specialization can move pay.
What affects a paralegal's salary
Experience is the biggest driver: entry-level paralegals typically start near the bottom of the range, while those with a decade or more of experience and specialized skills can approach or exceed six figures. The type of employer also matters, as large law firms and corporate legal departments generally pay more than small firms or government offices.
Practice area and certification add to earning potential. Paralegals working in high-stakes fields such as intellectual property, corporate, or litigation often command premiums, and credentials like the CP or RP certification can support higher pay. Geography matters too, with metro areas and high-cost states paying above the national median.
Outlook for the role
The paralegal field remains stable, with the BLS projecting steady demand and roughly 39,300 job openings each year, many driven by turnover and retirements. Law firms continue to rely on paralegals to handle research, document preparation, and case management more cost-effectively than attorneys.
Technology is reshaping the work rather than eliminating it. Paralegals who develop skills in e-discovery, legal software, and case management tools tend to be most competitive, and those abilities can support movement toward the higher end of the pay range over time.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median paralegal salary?
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,010 for paralegals and legal assistants, equal to about $29.33 per hour.
- How much do paralegals make per hour?
- The median is about $29.33 per hour and the mean is about $31.85 per hour. Entry-level paralegals may earn closer to $19 per hour, while top earners exceed $47 per hour.
- Can paralegals earn six figures?
- Yes. The top 10 percent of paralegals earn more than $98,990 per year, typically in specialized fields, large firms, or high-cost metro areas.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.