Paralegals in the US earn a median of $62,890 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $50,340 and $80,080, and the top 10% earn more than $101,500 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $63,000 to $80,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do paralegals make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $44,740 |
| 25th | $50,340 |
| Median | $62,890 |
| 75th | $80,080 |
| 90th | $101,500 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Paralegals and Legal Assistants, national, about 392,880 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where paralegals earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $89,750 | $114,920 |
| Washington | $79,400 | $100,960 |
| Colorado | $78,190 | $95,070 |
| Massachusetts | $77,640 | $96,820 |
| California | $77,390 | $98,430 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a paralegal?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $50,000–$63,000 | $66,000 |
| 3–5 years | $63,000–$80,000 | $84,000 |
| 6–10 years | $70,000–$87,000 | $91,000 |
| 10+ years | $80,000–$102,000 | $107,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives paralegal pay?
Paralegals research, draft and organize legal work under the supervision of attorneys. Pay depends on the practice area, the size of the firm or legal department, billable-hour expectations and overtime rules.
- Practice area: litigation, corporate, IP, immigration, family law.
- Law firm versus corporate legal department versus government.
- Overtime eligibility and billable-hour targets.
- Certificates and e-discovery or litigation-support tools.
Your leverage as a paralegal
- Practice-area experience the firm needs right now.
- E-discovery and litigation software skills.
- Experience running trial prep or managing a docket alone.
- Bilingual skills for clients.
- Billable hours or matters you supported.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Paralegal objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Paralegal pay is set by our class scale.” | “Which class would [number] years in [practice area] place me in?” |
| “Overtime makes up for a lower base.” | “How much overtime is typical, and is it paid at time-and-a-half?” |
| “In-house roles pay less than firms.” | “I value the schedule — I'd like the base to match the market rate for in-house paralegals.” |
| “You don't have experience in this practice area.” | “My [related area] work involved [task]; I'd like to start at [number] with a review in six months.” |
Sample counter offer for a paralegal
Thank you — I'm excited about joining the team. With [number] years in [practice area] and my experience with [software], I'm asking for a base of [number]. The national median for paralegals and legal assistants is $62,890.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a paralegal
Track matters you supported, trials you prepped and processes you improved. Supervising other staff or owning a docket is a strong case for a step up.