Lawyer vs Paralegal salary
In Canada, a lawyer earns about 81% more than a paralegal — $151,780 vs $84,009 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Lawyer | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $83,515 | $61,348 |
| 25th | $117,612 | $72,643 |
| Median | $151,780 | $84,009 |
| 75th | $193,502 | $97,845 |
| Senior (90th) | $235,295 | $111,753 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Legal comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a lawyer or paralegal earn more in Canada?
- A lawyer earns more, at about $215,000 per year vs $119,000 for a paralegal — roughly 81% ($96,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A lawyer typically earns $118,300–$333,300, while a paralegal earns $86,900–$158,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a lawyer averages about $17,900 and a paralegal about $9,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a lawyer earns about $118,300 while a paralegal earns about $86,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a lawyer earns about $333,300 while a paralegal earns about $158,300 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.