Business & Finance Virginia (VA) Rank #11 of 50

Paralegal Salary in Virginia

The median paralegal salary in Virginia is $64,528 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $59,200.

Median Salary
$64,528
vs National
+$5,328
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Paralegal Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for paralegal compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for paralegal pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,528 per year, paralegals in Virginia earn $5,328 more than the national median of $59,200.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning paralegal salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: paralegals at the 10th percentile earn $41,856, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $100,716 — a $58,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $81,104.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level paralegal earns around $43,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,650 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,600
+$3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,650
+$7,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $41,856
25th Percentile $51,012
Median (50th) $64,528
75th Percentile $81,750
90th Percentile $100,716

Paralegal Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for paralegals in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Paralegal in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Virginia

How much does a Paralegal make in Virginia? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Virginia is $64,528 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $41,856 (10th percentile) to $100,716 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,528, a paralegal in Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for paralegals? ▼
Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for paralegal pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level paralegals earn $43,600, while senior professionals earn $92,650.
How does Virginia compare to other states for paralegal salary? ▼
The highest paying state for paralegals is Hawaii at $100,640. Virginia's median of $64,528 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($68,080) and Oregon ($65,120).
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level paralegal in Virginia earns approximately $43,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,650.
What city in Virginia pays paralegals the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for paralegals, with a median salary of $81,104. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.