verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Paralegal Salary in Washington

Median Annual in Washington
$79,400/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$38.17/hr
▲ 26% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Washington

groups Employed in WA
9,460
public U.S. Median
$62,890
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$74,197 #4 of 51

Paralegal pay in Washington, explained

Paralegals in Washington earn a median of $79,400 per year ($38.17 per hour), which is 26% above the national median of $62,890. Entry-level workers earn around $50,470, while the most experienced paralegals reach about $116,750. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Washington.

Is $79,400 good pay in Washington?

Adjusted for Washington's cost of living (which runs 107% of the U.S. average), that $79,400 is worth about $74,197 in national buying power — ranking Washington #4 for real pay (vs #2 on the sticker number).

See the full Paralegal Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Paralegal pay by experience in Washington

Entry level (10th pct)
$50,470
$24.26/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$79,400
$38.17/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$116,750
$56.13/hr

Paralegal pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs WA
Washington (here) $79,400 $74,197
Oregon $61,490 $59,491 +$17,910
Idaho $49,690 $52,035 +$29,710

Paralegal in Washington: FAQ

How much do paralegals make in Washington?

Paralegals in Washington earn a median of $79,400 per year ($38.17 per hour), compared with $62,890 nationally.

Does Washington pay paralegals well?

At $79,400, Washington pays 26% above the national median for paralegals. An estimated 9,460 work in the state.

Paralegal salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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