Find Paralegal Salary Information by Location

Paralegal salary varies by state. Find out how much paralegals make across the USA.

Paralegal Salaries for States in the U.S.

paralegal showing money symbolizing paralegal salary by state

Many people thinking about a career change are turning to the paralegal profession as their best career option. Paralegals can train in as little as one year, and can earn a respectable salary whether they work in Texas, Illinois or New York.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for paralegals is $46,680. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

To help you decide where you might like to work as a professional paralegal, here are annual salaries by state.

Paralegal Salary by State

State Annual Mean Salary* State Annual Mean Salary*
Alabama $45,680 Montana  $38,290 
Alaska $52,330 Nebraska $43,310 
Arizona $48,940 Nevada $51,350 
Arkansas  $36,820  New Hampshire $44,250 
California  $59,030  New Jersey $56,370 
Colorado $48,960  New Mexico $42,060 
Connecticut $52,570  New York $54,840 
Delaware $50,870  North Carolina  $41,450 
District of Columbia $68,120  North Dakota $40,320 
Florida $46,810  Ohio  $44,910 
Georgia $49,380  Oklahoma  $40,920 
Hawaii $52,270  Oregon  $52,270 
Idaho $40,870  Pennsylvania  $51,720 
Illinois $53,640  Rhode Island  $48,840 
Indiana $39,450  South Carolina  $42,240 
Iowa $41,710  South Dakota  $38,980 
Kansas $42,240  Tennessee  $40,760 
Kentucky $39,970  Texas  $49,670 
Louisiana $44,170  Utah $41,950 
Maine $44,500  Vermont  $42,450 
Maryland $52,000  Virginia $49,750 
Massachusetts $49,720  Washington  $49,950 
Michigan $50,800  West Virginia  $38,610 
Minnesota $52,130  Wisconsin  $44,160 
Mississippi $38,080  Wyoming  $37,910 
Missouri $47,380    

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data published May 2011; Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

Paralegal USA

Learn about being a paralegal across the U.S., from New York to California, and Minnesota to Florida.

Knowing where you want to practice can help you make the most of your paralegal training and certification.

Where Do You Want to Be a Paralegal?