Business & Finance Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #18 of 50

Paralegal Salary in Pennsylvania

The median paralegal salary in Pennsylvania is $59,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $59,200.

Median Salary
$59,200
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Paralegal Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for paralegal compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for paralegal pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,200 per year, paralegals in Pennsylvania earn $0 more than the national median of $59,200.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning paralegal salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: paralegals at the 10th percentile earn $38,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,400 — a $54,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $62,752.

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for paralegals across the country.

Paralegal Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level paralegal earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $46,800
Median (50th) $59,200
75th Percentile $75,000
90th Percentile $92,400

Paralegal Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for paralegals in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Paralegal in Pennsylvania

Education

Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Paralegal make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Pennsylvania is $59,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,200, a paralegal in Pennsylvania earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for paralegals? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for paralegal pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level paralegals earn $40,000, while senior professionals earn $85,000.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for paralegal salary? ▼
The highest paying state for paralegals is Hawaii at $100,640. Pennsylvania's median of $59,200 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($59,792) and Vermont ($59,792).
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level paralegal in Pennsylvania earns approximately $40,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,000.
What city in Pennsylvania pays paralegals the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for paralegals, with a median salary of $62,752. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.