As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Legal Assistant I in the United States is $58,606 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Legal Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Recruit with AI
A Legal Assistant I'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 Legal Assistant I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Legal Assistant I | $58,109 |
| Intermediate Level Legal Assistant I | $59,270 |
| Senior Level Legal Assistant I | $60,264 |
| Specialist Level Legal Assistant I | $60,563 |
| Expert Level Legal Assistant I | $60,762 |
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 Legal Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Legal Assistant I'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Legal Assistant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $50,871 in 2023 to around $50,456 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Legal Assistant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $50,871 |
| 2024 | $50,819 |
| 2025 | $50,456 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $58,606 | 62.0% |
| Bonus | $6,940 | 7.3% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $5,014 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $2,753 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,311 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.8% |
| Pension | $3,539 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $8,067 | 8.5% |
| Total Compensation | $94,583 | 100% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Legal Assistant I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Legal Assistant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Legal Assistant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Legal Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Legal Assistant I is $73,920.
The highest pay for Legal Assistant I is $71,163.
The lowest pay for Legal Assistant I is $46,547.
Performs administrative and paralegal duties for attorneys or legal firms. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data collection, and analysis used to prepare statements and arguments. Manages, organizes, and archives documents with software tools and technology. Assists with scheduling and client correspondence. Typically requires an associate degree. Typically requires Paralegal Certification. Typically reports to an attorney. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
