Business & Finance Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Paralegal Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median paralegal salary in Boston, MA is $94,128 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$94,128
vs State Avg
+$10,064
vs National
+$34,928
Cost of Living
152%

Paralegal Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median paralegal salary of $94,128, which is $10,064 above the Massachusetts state average of $84,064. Compared to the national median of $59,200, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,128 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,926. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for paralegals in Boston spans from $61,056 at the 10th percentile to $146,916 at the 90th percentile — a $85,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,600, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,150. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Paralegal Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level paralegal earns around $63,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,600
+$23,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,400
+$35,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,150
+$50,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $61,056
25th Percentile $74,412
Median (50th) $94,128
75th Percentile $119,250
90th Percentile $146,916

Paralegal Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$98,864
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$69,264
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$66,304
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$62,160
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Paralegal in Boston

Education

Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Paralegal Jobs in Boston

Browse open paralegal positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Boston

How much does a Paralegal make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $94,128 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $61,056 (10th percentile) to $146,916 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,128, a paralegal in Boston earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Boston's median paralegal salary of $94,128 is 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,064. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a paralegal salary of $94,128 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Boston? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Boston 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.