Paralegal Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $63,380/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $52,964/year take-home — 16.4% effective rate.
Paralegal Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $38,000 | $32,572 | $2,714 | 14.3% |
| 25th Percentile | $48,000 | $40,607 | $3,384 | 15.4% |
| MedianBLS Median | $63,380 | $52,964 | $4,414 | 16.4% |
| 75th Percentile | $83,000 | $66,777 | $5,565 | 19.5% |
| 90th Percentile | $108,000 | $84,364 | $7,030 | 21.9% |
| Senior Level | $92,000 | $73,108 | $6,092 | 20.5% |
Paralegal Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $77,799 | $58,640 | $4,887 | 24.6% |
| District of Columbia | $78,908 | $58,791 | $4,899 | 25.5% |
| Connecticut | $74,472 | $57,431 | $4,786 | 22.9% |
| Massachusetts | $75,739 | $57,881 | $4,823 | 23.6% |
| New York | $83,503 | $62,870 | $5,239 | 24.7% |
About This Career
Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, document review, case preparation, and client communication, with large-firm corporate paralegals in major markets earning significantly above the national median. Specialization in areas like e-discovery, IP, or securities law carries distinct salary premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegal salary in the US?+
The national median Paralegal salary is $63,380 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,000 and $83,000, while the top 10% earn over $108,000.
How much does a Paralegal take home after taxes?+
A Paralegal earning the median $63,380 takes home approximately $52,964 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Paralegals earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Paralegals are California, District of Columbia, Connecticut. Top cities include Washington DC, New York City, San Francisco, where salaries can exceed $83,000 for experienced professionals.