Paralegal Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $75,615 | |
| California | $74,326 | |
| Washington | $73,995 | |
| Massachusetts | $73,091 | |
| New Jersey | $71,369 | |
| New York | $70,754 | |
| Alaska | $69,347 | |
| Connecticut | $68,587 | |
| National Median | $60,970 |
How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegals support lawyers by researching legal matters, drafting documents, and organizing case files.
Meet the education requirement
Most paralegals enter the field with associate's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the Certified Paralegal (CP)
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $40,240 and rises toward $89,016 with experience.
Paralegal salary: common questions
How much does a Paralegal make an hour?
The median hourly wage for paralegals is $29.31, which works out to about $60,970 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays paralegals the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for paralegals at $75,615 per year — 24% above the national median of $60,970.
What is the salary range for paralegals?
Most paralegals earn between $40,240 and $89,016 per year. The middle 50% earn $49,386 to $75,603, with a median of $60,970.
Is becoming a Paralegal a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 4% (as fast as average), and the role typically requires associate's degree. With a median wage of $60,970 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.