Business & Finance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Paralegal Salary in San Francisco, California

The median paralegal salary in San Francisco, CA is $107,744 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$107,744
vs State Avg
+$26,048
vs National
+$48,544
Cost of Living
182%

Paralegal Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level paralegal earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$32,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,200
+$49,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,700
+$69,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $69,888
25th Percentile $85,176
Median (50th) $107,744
75th Percentile $136,500
90th Percentile $168,168

Paralegal Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$99,456
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$86,432
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$84,064
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$69,856
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Paralegal in San Francisco

Education

Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Paralegal Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open paralegal positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Paralegal make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median paralegal salary in San Francisco, California is $107,744 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $69,888 (10th percentile) to $168,168 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,744, a paralegal in San Francisco earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for paralegal pay? ▼
San Francisco's median paralegal salary of $107,744 is 31.9% above the California state average of $81,696. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a paralegal salary of $107,744 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in San Francisco? ▼
Most paralegal positions in San Francisco require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.