By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: September 3, 2026
Find Paralegal Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
What can paralegals earn in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to several important courts, including the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Proximity to state government institutions in Boston and federal agencies may enhance job prospects and opportunities for paralegals specializing in various areas of law. Additionally, Massachusetts boasts many prestigious universities and colleges that offer paralegal studies programs, providing high-quality education and training. Other reasons to consider Massachusetts for your paralegal education and career include:
- Growing legal field with diverse areas of specialty: The legal field in Massachusetts continues to grow, offering stable and expanding job opportunities for paralegals. Paralegals can find work in a variety of practice areas, such as corporate law, healthcare law, intellectual property and more.
- Higher pay: Paralegals in Massachusetts, particularly in Boston, often enjoy competitive salaries compared to other states. Many employers offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.
- Market stability: The legal field in Massachusetts continues to grow, offering stable and expanding job opportunities for paralegals.
Let’s at salaries, factors that affect your pay and education requirements for paralegals in Massachusetts.
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There are 7,520 people employed as a paralegal in Massachusetts says the BLS. This amounts to over two people being a paralegal for every 1,000 people who live in the state. The median wage per hour is $37 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is -0.3%.
The primary advantage of choosing Massachusetts, particularly Boston, to be a paralegal is the high concentration of law firms and major legal institutions, which provides numerous job opportunities and career advancement prospects. The strong legal market, combined with access to top educational institutions and professional organizations makes it an ideal location for paralegals seeking a dynamic and rewarding career. Here are five employers in Massachusetts that hire a significant number of paralegals:
- Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, MA:
- One of the largest law firms in Boston, Goodwin Procter LLP employs many paralegals across various practice areas, including corporate law, intellectual property and litigation.
- Fidelity Investments, Boston, MA:
- Headquartered in Boston, this major financial services company has a large legal department that employs numerous paralegals to handle regulatory compliance, contract management and other legal matters.
- Office of the Attorney General, Boston, MA:
- This state government office hires paralegals to support attorneys in various divisions, such as consumer protection, criminal law and civil rights.
- Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA:
- This leading healthcare provider in Massachusetts employs paralegals in its legal department to handle healthcare regulations, compliance and risk management.
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA:
- As one of the top universities in the world, Harvard employs paralegals in its Office of the General Counsel to assist with legal issues related to higher education, research and administration.
Quick salary stats for MA paralegals
Massachusetts is recognized for its historical significance, educational institutions and contributions to innovation and technology, while its robust export-import business is driven by high-tech products, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. Many of these industries and educational providers require the skills of paralegals to help their legal teams conduct research, investigations and prepare legal documents.
Paralegal salaries in Massachusetts tend to be higher than the national average. Factors that affect how much you could earn include where you work and live, how much experience you have, your paralegal specialty, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education. Here are national median annual salaries for different legal studies careers.
Salaries for different legal studies careers (national median)
Salaries for paralegal roles in Massachusetts
Massachusetts paralegal salaries are comparable to other high-cost states like California and New York, where salaries are also above the national average due to similar factors. Within the state, certain areas of law tend to offer higher salaries for paralegals due to the complexity, demand and specialized knowledge required. Some of these areas include:
- Corporate law:
- High demand for paralegals to assist with mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
- Intellectual property (IP) law:
- Massachusetts, especially the Boston area, is a hub for technology and biotech companies that require IP protection for patents, trademarks and copyrights.
- Healthcare law:
- The presence of leading healthcare institutions and a complex regulatory environment increases the demand for paralegals with expertise in healthcare compliance, patient rights and medical ethics.
- Real estate law:
- The booming real estate market in Massachusetts, particularly in urban areas like Boston, creates demand for paralegals experienced in real estate transactions, zoning and property law.
- Securities law:
- The financial services industry in Massachusetts, especially in Boston, necessitates expertise in securities regulation, compliance and transactions.
Median paralegal salary in Massachusetts
The median annual salary for paralegals in Massachusetts is $77,640, and the state is the Fifth highest-paying state in the U.S. says the BLS, just behind the District of Columbia, California, New York and Washington. Take a look at salaries by percentage and for different cities in MA:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
10%$49,770
25%$62,580
50%$77,640Median
75%$96,820
90%$117,480
Median Hourly Wage$37
Job growth-0.3%
Total Employment7,800
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $79,850 | $50,340 | $126,470 |
| Worcester, MA | $70,990 | $35,140 | $97,310 |
| Springfield, MA | $65,820 | $35,460 | $93,940 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $64,310 | $36,420 | $96,990 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $64,050 | $34,690 | $91,330 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $62,210 | $34,500 | $93,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 median salary; projected job growth through 2035. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for paralegals in Massachusetts
The salary range for paralegals in Massachusetts spans from $49,770 for the lowest 10% to $117,480 for the highest 10% of working paralegals per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as time on the job, education and certifications and area of specialty.
Pay by metro area for paralegals
Your earning level can sometimes depend upon where you live within a state. Not surprisingly, cities tend to pay better than towns or less populated areas, larger law firms better than small, and obviously a law mecca such as Boston, will pay more competitively, though the cost of living will also be considerably higher. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as top 10 highest paying cities in the U.S. for paralegal and legal assisting fields:
The BLS says the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH, area is the highest paying metropolitan area. Other higher paying areas for Massachusetts are:
- Worcester: Worcester is the second-largest city in Massachusetts with a growing legal market. It has a range of law firms, corporate legal departments and healthcare institutions that require paralegal support.
- Springfield: As a regional economic center in Western Massachusetts, Springfield hosts various law firms, insurance companies and corporations that offer competitive salaries for paralegals.
- Lowell: Lowell’s proximity to Boston and its thriving technology and manufacturing sectors create demand for legal services, leading to higher pay for paralegals.
- Framingham: With its mix of corporate headquarters, retail companies and proximity to Boston, Framingham offers good salaries for paralegals working in diverse legal fields.
- Brockton: As an urban center in the southeastern part of the state, Brockton has a growing legal market with competitive salaries for paralegals, particularly in personal injury and family law.
Salary growth and job outlook for paralegals
Paralegals in Massachusetts have a -0.3% job growth rate predicted through 2035 says the BLS. This is just higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other legal career job growth rates are as follows, compared to paralegals. As you can see, the job growth rate for paralegals surpasses other legal support roles:
| Legal support career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2035 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | -0.3% |
| Legal secretaries and administrative assistants | -5.2% |
| Legal support workers, all others | -0.3% |
| Judicial law clerks | 2.8% |
Factors affecting paralegal salaries in Massachusetts
Several factors can influence what you earn as a paralegal in Massachusetts. Understanding and leveraging these factors may help you understand your current salary level and leverage your earning potential.
- Higher cost of living:
- Massachusetts, particularly the Boston metropolitan area, has a higher cost of living compared to many other states, which is reflected in higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.
- Experience:
- Paralegals with more years of experience often earn higher salaries as they bring more expertise and skills to the job.
- Degree level and certification:
- Advanced degrees and certifications, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) from NALA, may lead to higher earning potential.
- Strong legal market:
- The robust legal market in Massachusetts, driven by a high concentration of law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies, increases demand for qualified paralegals, leading to competitive salaries.
- Educational and professional opportunities:
- The presence of top-tier educational institutions and a well-educated workforce can drive up salaries as employers compete for highly qualified candidates.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in Massachusetts?
Determining if your pay as a paralegal in Massachusetts is fair involves several steps and resources. Here’s how you can assess your salary and what to do if you find it isn’t fair:
Steps to assess pay equity
Research industry standards: Use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Payscale, Glassdoor and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) for updated salary data specific to Massachusetts and your role. Look at current job postings for paralegals in Massachusetts to see the salary ranges offered for similar positions.
Consider your experience and education: Evaluate your qualifications, including years of experience, education level, certifications and specializations, against the market rates.
Consult with professional groups: The Massachusetts Paralegal Association (MPA) can provide insights into average salaries and trends in the state. Attend events and meetings to discuss compensation with peers.
Cost of living adjustments: Use cost of living calculators to compare salaries between different cities in Massachusetts and understand how the cost of living in your area affects your pay.
Annual reviews and pay increases: Compare your annual reviews and salary increases with industry standards to ensure you are progressing in line with the market.
Resources if your pay is not fair
Human resources (HR): Discuss your concerns with HR to understand the company’s pay structure and advocate for a salary review.
Performance reviews: Use these reviews as an opportunity to negotiate your salary based on your contributions and market data.
Massachusetts Paralegal Association (MPA): Seek advice on how to approach salary negotiations and understand your rights.
American Bar Association (ABA): They offer resources and support for legal professionals, including paralegals.
The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division: If you believe you are being underpaid or unfairly treated, you can file a complaint.
U.S. Department of Labor: Provides guidelines on fair pay and can assist with wage and hour complaints.
Career counselors: Consult with career coaches who specialize in the legal field for advice on salary negotiation and career advancement.
Education and training
To become a paralegal in Massachusetts, the following education requirements and steps are typically needed:
Education: Many community colleges and technical schools offer associate degrees in paralegal studies. These programs usually take about two years to complete and cover foundational legal concepts, research, writing and ethics. A bachelor’s degree is another option and provides a broader educational background and may offer more advancement opportunities. Some employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, either in paralegal studies or in another field combined with a paralegal certificate.
Paralegal certificate: For those who already hold a degree in another field, earning a paralegal certificate is a common path. Certificate programs typically focus on paralegal-specific skills and can be completed in less time than a degree program. These programs are available at many universities, colleges, and online institutions.
American Bar Association (ABA) approved programs: While not mandatory, completing an ABA-approved paralegal program may enhance job prospects as these programs meet high educational standards. Some employers in Massachusetts may prefer graduates from ABA-approved programs.
Professional certifications: Although Massachusetts does not require certification for paralegals, obtaining a professional certification may increase job opportunities and salary potential. Available certifications are the Certified Paralegal (CP) or Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential.
Continuing education: Paralegals are encouraged to pursue CLE to stay current with legal trends, technology and regulations but it is currently not mandatory in Massachusetts.
Cost of living in Massachusetts
The cost of living in Massachusetts, particularly in major cities like Boston, is among the higher states in the United States. Here are some key factors contributing to the cost of living:
Contributing factors:
Rent and property prices are significantly higher than the national average, listing at around 112% higher, with utilities around 16% higher. Groceries and other necessities run on average around 31% higher than the rest of the country.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
RentCafe says cities in Massachusetts that have the highest costs of living compared to the national average include Nantucket (139% higher), Boston (47% higher), Framingham (36% higher), Leominster (14% higher) and Pittsfield (2% higher).
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
RentCafe does not list any cities in Massachusetts with a lower cost of living than the national average.
MA professional paralegal groups and associations
There are a couple paralegal associations in Massachusetts that provide resources, networking opportunities, continuing education and professional development for paralegals. Here are the main groups to consider:
Massachusetts Paralegal Association (MPA): MPA is a statewide association dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession. They offer continuing education programs, networking events, a job bank and resources for professional development.
Boston Bar Association (BBA)–Paralegal Section: The BBA’s Paralegal Section provides a forum for paralegals to discuss issues affecting their profession, educational programs, networking opportunities and resources for paralegal professionals.
Greater Newburyport Bar Association (GNBA)–Paralegal Section: GNBA includes a section dedicated to paralegals, focusing on professional development and networking within the Greater Newburyport area.
Our salary guide for Massachusetts aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the wage landscape and other key information regarding the many careers in paralegal and legal studies in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education and career path through the legal justice system and gain an understanding of how to negotiate salary while you learn to set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.