Lawyer vs Paralegal salary
In United States, a lawyer earns about 129% more than a paralegal — $166,000 vs $72,400 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Lawyer | Paralegal |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $91,300 | $52,900 |
| 25th | $128,700 | $62,600 |
| Median | $166,000 | $72,400 |
| 75th | $211,600 | $84,300 |
| Senior (90th) | $257,300 | $96,300 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Legal comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a lawyer or paralegal earn more in United States?
- A lawyer earns more, at about $166,000 per year vs $72,400 for a paralegal — roughly 129% ($93,600) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A lawyer typically earns $91,300–$257,300, while a paralegal earns $52,900–$96,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a lawyer averages about $13,800 and a paralegal about $6,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a lawyer earns about $91,300 while a paralegal earns about $52,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a lawyer earns about $257,300 while a paralegal earns about $96,300 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.