As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Paralegal V in the United States is $149,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Research Paralegal V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Paralegal V's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Paralegal V's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Paralegal III | 4-7 years | $93,351 |
| Research Paralegal IV | 7+ years | $116,794 |
| Research Paralegal V | 7-10 years | $149,724 |
| Research Paralegal Supervisor | 10+ years | $93,801 |
| Research Paralegal Manager | 10+ years | $119,523 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research Paralegal Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Research Paralegal V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $167,692. While startup companies pay approximate $141,864.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $141,864 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $150,038 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $161,937 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $167,692 |
For Research Paralegal V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Research Paralegal positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Paralegal V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $239,680 | $115.0 | 60% |
| Financial Services | $224,700 | $108.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $209,720 | $101.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $194,740 | $94.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $179,760 | $86.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Research Paralegal V's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Research Paralegal V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Research Paralegal Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,900 - a projected growth of -37% over your current level.
Salaries for a Research Paralegal V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,956 in 2023 to around $137,434 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Paralegal V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $140,956 |
| 2024 | $139,580 |
| 2025 | $137,434 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Paralegal V roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
In conclusion, the traits of dependability, adaptability, and resilience are indispensable for paralegals seeking to excel in their roles. By embodying these qualities, paralegals not only enhance their individual effectiveness but also contribute to the overall success of the legal team. With a salary range of $123,400 to $159,200, these skills are essential for achieving professional growth and success in the field.
Research Paralegals earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $123,400, a mid-range of $136,800, and a maximum of $159,200. Fields such as Data Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Aerospace Engineering also offer high salaries, particularly in roles related to R&D, AI development, and clinical research.
In the Paralegal field, the title with the most salary potential is often 'Senior Paralegal' or 'Paralegal Manager'. These roles involve advanced case management and supervisory responsibilities, with salaries ranging from $123,400 to $159,200, depending on experience and specialization in high-stakes areas like corporate law or litigation.
An Associate in Arts in Paralegal Studies is ideal for students without a degree. The curriculum includes paralegal-specific and related courses, along with general education. Graduates can expect to earn between $123,400 and $159,200, with a median salary of $136,800, preparing them for a professional and competent career in the legal field.
The highest paying legal job is typically a Patent Attorney, earning around $180,000. However, Research Paralegals also command competitive salaries, with a minimum of $123,400, a mid-range of $136,800, and a maximum of $159,200. This positions them among the higher earners in the legal field, reflecting their specialized skills and expertise.
For Research Paralegals, salary data indicates a minimum salary of $123,400, a mid-range salary of $136,800, and a maximum salary of $159,200. To find the best salary research, consider resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and PayScale, which provide comprehensive salary insights and job market trends.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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