Paralegal Salaries in 2024: Surprising Average Salaries by State

The legal industry is constantly evolving, and paralegals play a crucial role in supporting attorneys and maintaining the efficiency of law firms. Currently, there are more than 366,200 paralegals employed in the United States. It is anticipated that the demand for these qualified workers will increase in the future.As 2025 approaches, the legal industry is still changing and providing a wide range of employment options for paralegals around the US. The need for these crucial legal experts is growing, providing a bright future for those just starting out in the field. For either seasoned paralegals and prospective professionals, it is essential to comprehend the specifics of paralegal Salaries. We hope to give you useful information and clear insights as we dig deeper into the state-by-state breakdown of paralegal salaries so you can make smart career selections in 2024.Those who want to pursue a profession in law can benefit from knowing the salary range for paralegals in each state. It can assist them in locating the greatest employment opportunities and earning a good living.

State-by-State Breakdown of Paralegal Salaries

Paralegal salaries vary a lot across the United States, The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says paralegals earn an average of $66,460 a year .The District of Columbia has the highest salary at $94,290 annually. This is because of the high cost of living and many legal jobs there. California average Paralegal salaries is $79,210 per year. New York is close behind with $78,850. Washington, Massachusetts, and Colorado also pay well. 

At the other end, Mississippi has the lowest salary at $46,620. Tennessee is next with $56,440. But, Paralegal salaries have gone up in every state over the last five years. Rhode Island saw a huge 38.6% increase in salaries from 2018 to 2024. Arizona also had a big 35.2% increase. In total, four states grew over 30% and eight over 25%.

Many things affect paralegal salaries, like cost of living and local jobs. As the legal world changes, we’ll see how salaries might change too.

Top 10 Cities for the Highest Paralegal Salaries in US

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, tops the list with paralegals earning $99,990 a year. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California, follows closely with an average salary of $83,780.

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is third, with paralegals making $80,650 on average. Other cities with high salaries include Seattle, Midland (MI), Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Denver, and Sacramento.

These cities offer competitive salaries to attract top paralegal talent. The high cost of living is balanced by the higher earnings. The number of law firms, corporate headquarters, and specialized legal areas contribute to these salaries.

City	Average Paralegal Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$99,990
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA	$83,780
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$80,650
Seattle, WA	$57,832
Midland, MI	$57,833
Santa Cruz, CA	$58,050
Los Angeles, CA	$58,728
Denver, CO	$54,967
New York, NY	$73,740
Sacramento, CA	$58,729

Paralegal Salaries by Experience Level

As paralegals gain more experience, their salaries tend to increase significantly. Entry-level paralegals with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn around $68,687 annually. Mid-level paralegals with 2-4 years of experience typically earn approximately $71,560.

Senior paralegals with 5-8 years of experience can command a salary of around $71,966. Those with over 8 years of experience earn an average of $72,237 per year. Specialization and additional certifications can further enhance a paralegal’s earning potential.

Ultimately, the paralegal career path offers excellent opportunities for growth and advancement. Salaries often increase significantly as individuals gain valuable experience and expertise over time.

Lowest-Paying States and Markets

Paralegal salaries vary a lot across the United States. Some states and areas pay less. The lowest-paying places are mainly in the South, Midwest, and Mountain West.

Mississippi has the lowest average paralegal salary at $46,620. South Carolina is close behind at $50,820. Other states with low pay include Idaho, Kansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

These areas have a lower cost of living. This helps explain why salaries are lower. But, wages grow slower in these places compared to coastal and urban areas. Paralegals should think about the cost of living and salary when choosing a location.

The lowest paralegal salaries and paralegal salary comparison show the need to research job markets and living costs. Knowing these differences helps paralegals make better career choices. It’s key to understanding the impact on long-term goals and salary expectations.

Geographic Salary Variations

The place where a paralegal works can greatly affect their pay. In Atlanta, Georgia, for example, paralegal salaries range from $42,900 for the lowest 10% to $78,200 for the highest 10%. This shows the city’s strong legal market and high living costs. On the other hand, regional paralegal salary differences exist across the country. Paralegals in smaller cities or rural areas often earn less than those in big cities.

Several factors cause these regional paralegal salary changes. These include local industry needs, economic conditions, and living costs. Paralegals in high-demand fields like real estate, healthcare, and immigration law can earn more, no matter where they are.

City	Median Paralegal Salary	Salary Range
Atlanta, GA	$59,200	$42,900 – $78,200
Los Angeles, CA	$65,400	$47,800 – $87,500
Chicago, IL	$52,800	$38,700 – $71,100
Miami, FL	$53,600	$39,200 – $72,000

Conclusion

The paralegal profession is growing, with a 10% job growth rate expected by 2032. This is slightly above the national average. Over the last five years, salaries have gone up in all states, with some areas seeing big increases.

Things like where you live, how long you’ve worked, your specialty, and the demand for your skills affect how much you earn. These factors are key in determining your salary as a paralegal.

As the legal world changes, paralegals who keep up with new tech and focus on in-demand areas will likely earn more. The average salary for a paralegal is $63,735 a year. But, places like Washington D.C., California, and Washington offer even better pay.

In summary, the future for paralegals looks bright, with good salaries and chances to move up in your career. If you’re interested in this field, getting specialized certifications and building your legal knowledge can help you earn more in the future.