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Legal Assistant II Salary in the United States

How much does a Legal Assistant II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Legal Assistant II in the United States is $78,106 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Legal Assistant II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,786
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,348 to $87,884
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,285

Key Factors That Influence Legal Assistant II Salaries

A Legal Assistant II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Legal Assistant II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Legal Assistant II'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:

  • Legal Assistant I (0-1 years): $58,680
  • Legal Assistant II (1-3 years): $78,106
  • Legal Assistant III (3-5 years): $88,905
  • Legal Assistant IV (5-7 years): $97,788
  • Paralegal Supervisor (7+ years): $93,801
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Legal Assistant I0-1 years$58,680
Legal Assistant II1-3 years$78,106
Legal Assistant III3-5 years$88,905
Legal Assistant IV5-7 years$97,788
Paralegal Supervisor7+ years$93,801

Top Paying Cities for Legal Assistant II

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $98,515
  • San Francisco: $97,436
  • Oakland: $95,383

Legal Assistant II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Legal Assistant II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,435. While startup companies pay approximate $73,968.

Legal Assistant II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $73,968
Growth Stage 51~500 $78,230
Established 501~5000 $84,434
Enterprise 5000+ $87,435

Legal Assistant II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Legal Assistant II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Legal Assistant positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Legal Assistant II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Legal Assistant II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$93,727$45.020%
Energy & Utilities$89,822$43.015%
Internet$89,822$43.015%
Biotechnology$85,917$41.010%
Chemicals$85,917$41.010%

Legal Assistant II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Legal Assistant II'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, 2026
$70,348
Average $78,106/year
$87,884
$5,862
Average $6,509/month
$7,324
$1,353
Average $1,502/week
$1,690
$34
Average $38/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,884 $7,324 $1,690 $42
Average $78,106 $6,509 $1,502 $38
25th Percentile $70,348 $5,862 $1,353 $34

Legal Assistant II Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Legal Assistant II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Legal Assistant III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,905 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Legal Assistant II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Legal Assistant II

Here are companies hiring for Legal Assistant II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Legal Assistant II

1. Where can a Legal Assistant II earn the most?

A Legal Assistant II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Legal Assistant II is $98,515.

2. What is the highest pay for Legal Assistant II?

The highest pay for Legal Assistant II is $96,786.

3. What is the lowest pay for Legal Assistant II?

The lowest pay for Legal Assistant II is $63,285.

4. What are the responsibilities of Legal Assistant II?

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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Legal Assistant II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Legal Assistant II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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