Paralegal Salaries USA: Paralegal Salary Information by Location

Keep reading to find out how much paralegals earn in cities and states across the U.S. Whether you want to begin a career as a paralegal in your home state, or move to where the job opportunities are better or the paralegal salary is higher, get the education you need to start your new paralegal career. November 2009 data from Salary.com paints a rosy picture for annual paralegal salary growth, as a paralegal gains work experience:

There are 26,830 paralegals employed in California, according to the BLS. Among the highest-paying states for the profession, California offers an average paralegal salary of $59,270 per year. As a point of comparison, the national median income for paralegals is $46,980.

The California Alliance of Paralegal Associations notes that paralegal salaries vary based on several factors, including the city where you work, employer type and size, and your experience level. When comparing salaries, though, consider all the factors that contribute to your compensation. For example, some employers might offer overtime work, and others will not. Benefits, perks, vacation time and sick leave will also vary from office to office.

Below is a list of annual paralegal salaries for some of the largest cities in California. 

According to the BLS, there are currently 4,940 paralegal jobs in Colorado, and the annual average paralegal salary is $49,570.

As you might expect, annual paralegal salaries vary by city. The BLS data shows that Denver paralegal jobs pay the most, but wages in the rest of the state are not far behind.

According to the BLS, there are nearly 20,000 paralegals employed in Florida, with an average annual salary of $45,870.

Below is a list of the top Florida cities, with average annual paralegal salaries for each one.

There are 8,020 paralegals employed in Georgia, according to the BLS, and paralegals earn an average annual salary of $51,350, with the top 10 percent making $77,590 per year.

Salaries for Georgia paralegals vary slightly, depending on the city. Data from BLS shows that paralegals in Columbus earn the most. However, a paralegal salary in Macon, Savannah and other Georgia cities can be comparable given the lower cost of living in those cities.

The BLS reports that there are 8,310 paralegals employed in Illinois. And as you might suspect, most of them work and live in Chicago.

Illinois is among the top five highest-paying states for paralegals, and pays an average annual salary of $54,690 per year. But the top 10 percent of paralegals earn an annual median income of over $79,000.

Paralegal salaries vary based on the area of Illinois where you live—but not as much as you might think. According to BLS, Chicago paralegals make the highest salaries, but earnings for paralegals in other cities aren't far behind.

There are 4,140 paralegals employed in Minnesota, according to the BLS. In Minnesota, paralegals earn an average annual salary of $49,130 per year. The top 10 percent of paralegals can earn an annual average income of over $72,000.

Of course, your paralegal salary will vary based on where you live in Minnesota. According to BLS, paralegals in Minneapolis earn the highest paralegal salaries in the state, but the rest of the state pays competitive wages too.

There are 25,760 paralegals employed in New York, according to the BLS. Most enter the field with an associate's degree from one of the many paralegal schools in New York, or a paralegal degree that they earned in another state.

New York pays an average yearly paralegal salary of $60,140, but the top 25 percent of New York paralegals make a median income of over $74,000 a year.

Below are the average paralegal salaries for some of the largest cities in New York State.

According to the BLS, there are 8,920 paralegals employed in North Carolina, and they earn an annual average salary of $41,100.

Again, your North Carolina paralegal salary will vary slightly, depending on the city you live in. Data from BLS shows that the Raleigh-Cary and Charlotte areas pay the highest paralegal salaries. However, paralegals in other North Carolina cities have a comparable income, considering their cost of living.

The BLS reports that there are 16,790 paralegals employed in Texas, making Texas the fourth highest employer of paralegals in the country. Texas paralegals earn an average annual salary of $49,590.

Salaries for Texas paralegals vary based on where you live. The BLS Data shows that paralegal jobs in Dallas pay an average salary of about $61,330. In Houston, paralegals earn an average income of $49,060. Typically, larger cities pay higher salaries, but they also have a higher cost of living.

According to BLS, there were 6,080 paralegals employed in Washington in 2009, and they earned an average annual income of $48,550.

Salaries for Washington paralegals vary slightly, depending on the city in which you live. Data from BLS shows that Seattle paralegal jobs pay the most. However, other Washington State paralegal jobs pay comparable incomes, taking into account the cost of living.

Source: All statistics are as of May 2009 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise indicated.