Business & Finance Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Paralegal Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median paralegal salary in Philadelphia, PA is $62,752 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$62,752
vs State Avg
+$3,552
vs National
+$3,552
Cost of Living
102%

Paralegal Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median paralegal salary of $62,752, which is $3,552 above the Pennsylvania state average of $59,200. Compared to the national median of $59,200, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for paralegals in Philadelphia spans from $40,704 at the 10th percentile to $97,944 at the 90th percentile — a $57,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,400, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,100. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Paralegal Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level paralegal earns around $42,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,600
+$3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,100
+$5,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $40,704
25th Percentile $49,608
Median (50th) $62,752
75th Percentile $79,500
90th Percentile $97,944

Paralegal Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$58,016
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$57,424
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$54,464
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$52,096
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Paralegal in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Paralegal Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open paralegal positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Paralegal make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $62,752 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $40,704 (10th percentile) to $97,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,752, a paralegal in Philadelphia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median paralegal salary of $62,752 is 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average of $59,200. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a paralegal salary of $62,752 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Philadelphia? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Philadelphia 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.