Paralegal Salary in United States (2026) — Average Pay by City

Paralegal pay in United States: Washington DC leads, San Antonio trails

The United States national median for a paralegal is $70,900 a year. Among 9 metros with observed data, pay runs from about $59,700 in San Antonio to $95,700 in Washington DC (1.6×).

Paralegals support lawyers with research, drafting, and case management. Common screening skills include Research, Drafting, Organization, and Filing.

A modeled national band runs about $51,800–$94,300 around that midpoint. Many top cash roles in the United States still run through employer sponsorship and specialty licensing. Employment outlook for the occupation is sketched at +12% over a decade — a national demand guess, not a hiring guarantee in every American city.

Washington DC sits +35% vs the national median; San Antonio sits -16%. Relocating inside United States for this title can move cash more than a small raise at the same desk. Open a city page for take-home and rent context — this national page is the map, not the offer.

United States shows about 2.9% CPI in 2024. A paralegal raise that trails inflation is a real-pay cut even if it still beats last year’s peers. This occupation is also covered in 39 other countries — useful for remote or relocation shortlists, after FX and local tax. Nearby legal titles on this site include Lawyer and Corporate Attorney.

How to use Paralegal pay data in United States

Start with the national median ($70,900), then pick the metro where you would actually work. Observed city rows below are stronger than a pay-index guess. If your city is missing, stay on this page for the country figure and check the United States hub for other careers.

Convert gross through the salary calculator before comparing two cities — tax and rent often reorder a cash ranking. Figures are estimates for research, not employer bands.

National band vs top metro

National sketch: $51,800 (10th) → $70,900 (median) → $94,300 (90th). Washington DC’s observed median is $95,700, with a local band about $57,300–$160,000. If an offer is “at the United States median” but the job is in Washington DC, you may still be under local market.

Paralegal salary by city in United States

Cities below have observed metro percentiles for this role. Prefer these over national-only estimates when you are relocating to a specific market.

City	Per year	Per month	vs. national
Washington DC, DC	$95,700	$8,000	+35%
San Diego, CA	$85,900	$7,200	+21%
Los Angeles, CA	$77,500	$6,500	+9%
Chicago, IL	$70,600	$5,900	0%
Philadelphia, PA	$70,400	$5,900	-1%
Dallas, TX	$63,200	$5,300	-11%
Houston, TX	$62,700	$5,200	-12%
Phoenix, AZ	$62,600	$5,200	-12%
San Antonio, TX	$59,700	$5,000	-16%

Frequently asked questions

How much does a paralegal make in United States?

The national median is about $70,900 per year. Across 9 observed cities, pay ranges from about $59,700 to $95,700.

Which United States city pays paralegals the most?

Washington DC, DC leads observed metros at about $95,700 per year (+35% vs national).

Which United States city pays paralegals the least?

Among observed cities, San Antonio, TX is on the lower end at about $59,700 per year.

How many United States cities have paralegal salary data?

9 metros list observed paralegal percentiles in USD on this site.

Is paralegal in demand in United States?

Occupation-level employment is projected at about +12% over ten years. Local hiring still follows American industry mix.

Paralegal Salary in United States