BigLaw paralegals routinely clear $100K with overtime. Solo and corp pay more conservatively.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Paralegals. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $46,400 | $35,900 | $59,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $57,700 | $44,700 | $74,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $66,400 | $51,400 | $85,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $79,600 | $61,600 | $102,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $90,300 | $69,900 | $116,500 |
Top 10 states by median Paralegal salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $89,700 | $68,100 | $116,600 | +35% |
| California | $86,300 | $65,600 | $112,200 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $86,300 | $65,600 | $112,200 | +30% |
| Washington | $86,300 | $65,600 | $112,200 | +30% |
| Washington DC | $85,000 | $64,600 | $110,500 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $83,700 | $63,600 | $108,800 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $80,400 | $61,100 | $104,500 | +21% |
| Maryland | $79,700 | $60,600 | $103,600 | +20% |
| Colorado | $77,700 | $59,100 | $101,000 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $75,700 | $57,500 | $98,400 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $56,500 | $42,900 | $73,400 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $55,800 | $42,400 | $72,500 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $55,800 | $42,400 | $72,500 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $55,800 | $42,400 | $72,500 | -16% |
| Alabama | $55,100 | $41,900 | $71,700 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $55,100 | $41,900 | $71,700 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $53,100 | $40,400 | $69,100 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $53,100 | $40,400 | $69,100 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $51,800 | $39,400 | $67,300 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $51,800 | $39,400 | $67,300 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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