As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Paralegal I in the United States is $68,907 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Paralegal I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Paralegal 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Paralegal 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegal I | 0-2 years | $68,907 |
| Paralegal II | 2-4 years | $80,895 |
| Paralegal III | 4-7 years | $93,324 |
| Paralegal IV | 7+ years | $116,773 |
| Paralegal V | 7-10 years | $149,699 |
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 Paralegal Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 3.97% |
| Microsoft Word | 2.28% |
| Adobe | 1.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Corporate Governance
|
$75,109 |
9%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$74,420 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$73,730 |
7%
|
|
Contract Management
|
$73,730 |
7%
|
|
Presentation
|
$72,352 |
5%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$72,352 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Paralegal Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Paralegal I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $63,649 and $68,114).
Paralegal I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 17.1% |
| Associates | 28.5% |
| Bachelors | 46.3% |
| Masters | 4.4% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Paralegal 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 May 01, 2026For a Paralegal I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Paralegal II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $80,895 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Paralegal I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,204 in 2023 to around $63,334 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Paralegal I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,204 |
| 2024 | $64,001 |
| 2025 | $63,334 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Paralegal I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Paralegal 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 Paralegal I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Paralegal I is $86,912.
The highest pay for Paralegal I is $82,269.
The lowest pay for Paralegal I is $55,694.
Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. 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. Assists attorneys with depositions, interviews, discovery, and investigations. Manages, organizes, and archives documents with software tools and technology. Applies specialized legal terminology appropriately in documents. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically requires Paralegal Certification. Typically reports to an attorney. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related 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.
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