Lawyer vs Paralegal salary
In Australia, a lawyer earns about 41% more than a paralegal — $146,428 vs $104,096 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Lawyer | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $80,570 | $75,990 |
| 25th | $113,464 | $90,077 |
| Median | $146,428 | $104,096 |
| 75th | $186,678 | $121,306 |
| Senior (90th) | $226,998 | $138,447 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Legal comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a lawyer or paralegal earn more in Australia?
- A lawyer earns more, at about $211,000 per year vs $150,000 for a paralegal — roughly 41% ($61,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A lawyer typically earns $116,100–$327,100, while a paralegal earns $109,500–$199,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a lawyer averages about $17,600 and a paralegal about $12,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a lawyer earns about $116,100 while a paralegal earns about $109,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a lawyer earns about $327,100 while a paralegal earns about $199,500 per year.
- Are lawyer and paralegal similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Legal category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.