How Much Does a Paralegal make?

Paralegal made a median salary around $77,770 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $86,868 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $69,678. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Paralegal jobs in Louisiana

Litigation Paralegal

Transcendent Law Group - New Orleans, LA

Legal Assistant Paralegal

Sessions, Israel & Shartle, LLC - Metairie, LA

Commercial Real Estate Paralegal

Connectly Recruiting - Baton Rouge, LA

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Best-Paying Cities for Paralegal

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Paralegal profession are Arabi , Belle Chasse , Chalmette , Gretna , Harvey .
Arabi, LA $78,915
Belle Chasse, LA $78,915
Chalmette, LA $78,915
Gretna, LA $78,915
Harvey, LA $78,915

Best-Paying States for Paralegal

The states and districts that pay Paralegal the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $91,018) , California (around $90,200) , New Jersey (around $89,628) , Alaska (around $89,055) , and Massachusetts (around $88,973) .
District of Columbia $91,018
California $90,200
New Jersey $89,628
Alaska $89,055
Massachusetts $88,973

What is the Career Path of Paralegal?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Paralegal, the upper level is Paralegal III , and then progresses to Paralegal IV
Besides, Paralegal can also turn to other related jobs, including Paralegal Manager , Paralegal II , Paralegal I and Paralegal III .

Frequently Asked Questions for Paralegal

Q: What is the salary range of Paralegal in Louisiana?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Paralegal in Louisiana earned an average annual salary of $69,678 , while the highest-paid made $86,868.
Q: What is the salary for a Paralegal in California?
A: Paralegal employed in California earned an average salary of $90,200 in 2024.

Average Paralegal Pay vs. Other Jobs

Paralegal earned an average salary of $77,770 in 2024. Other jobs related to Paralegal earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Paralegal Manager made $130,387 , Paralegal II made $77,101 , Paralegal I and Paralegal III made $66,202 and $88,634 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Paralegal

Paralegal Manager - Average Salary $130,387
Paralegal Manager manages and develops the paralegal team and the systems and processes utilized to conduct research and produce legal documents. Responsible for case management by assigning cases and monitoring progress to ensure timely completion. Being a Paralegal Manager validates and oversees the preparation of legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, motions, appeals, wills, and contracts. Organizes documents into formal report and proofs for attorneys. Additionally, Paralegal Manager provides research and training support to the paralegals utilizing databases and legal libraries. Coordinates with attorneys on special requests or highly complex projects. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Requires Paralegal Certification. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Paralegal Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Paralegal Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Paralegal II - Average Salary $77,101
Paralegal II 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. Being a Paralegal II 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. Additionally, Paralegal II 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. The Paralegal II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Paralegal II typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Paralegal I - Average Salary $66,202
Paralegal I 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. Being a Paralegal I 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. Additionally, Paralegal I 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. The Paralegal I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Paralegal I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Paralegal III - Average Salary $88,634
Paralegal III 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. Being a Paralegal III 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. Additionally, Paralegal III 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. The Paralegal III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Paralegal III typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Paralegal IV - Average Salary $108,446
Paralegal IV 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. Being a Paralegal IV 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. Additionally, Paralegal IV 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. The Paralegal IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Paralegal IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.