Business & Finance Texas (TX) Rank #31 of 50

Paralegal Salary in Texas

The median paralegal salary in Texas is $54,464 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $59,200.

Median Salary
$54,464
vs National
$-4,736
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Paralegal Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for paralegal compensation. Paralegal salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,464 per year, paralegals in Texas earn $4,736 less than the national median of $59,200.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $54,464 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $59,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: paralegals at the 10th percentile earn $35,328, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,008 — a $49,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $62,160.

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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level paralegal earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $54,464? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $35,328
25th Percentile $43,056
Median (50th) $54,464
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $85,008

Paralegal Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for paralegals in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Paralegal in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook in Texas

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 345,800 other Paralegals.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Paralegal Roles in Texas?

Get matched with recruiters hiring paralegals in Texas at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Texas

How much does a Paralegal make in Texas? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Texas is $54,464 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $35,328 (10th percentile) to $85,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,464, a paralegal in Texas earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for paralegals? ▼
Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for paralegal pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level paralegals earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $78,200.
How does Texas compare to other states for paralegal salary? ▼
The highest paying state for paralegals is Hawaii at $100,640. Texas's median of $54,464 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($55,056) and Nebraska ($54,464).
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level paralegal in Texas earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,200.
What city in Texas pays paralegals the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for paralegals, with a median salary of $62,160. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.