how much do paralegals make?

TLDR: Paralegals in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $62,840, with significant variations based on geographic location, industry, experience, and education. The highest salaries are found in the District of Columbia and specialized sectors like scientific research.

The average annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants in the United States is $62,840, with the top 10% earning over $94,960. Geographic location plays a crucial role, with states like the District of Columbia offering the highest average salary at $94,290, while states like South Carolina and Arkansas report much lower averages around $36,908. Additionally, the industry significantly influences earnings, with paralegals in scientific research earning an average of $108,350.

Experience and education also impact salaries. Paralegals with one to five years of experience earn about $40,385, while those with over 25 years can make up to $65,458. Educational attainment further affects earnings, with master's degree holders averaging $67,823 compared to $61,734 for bachelor's degree holders. Despite a projected 1% growth in employment for paralegals from 2023 to 2033, approximately 37,300 job openings are expected annually due to turnover and retirements, highlighting the importance of skill development in a competitive job market.