Alabama ranks 50th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $53,240 — a 116% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,300 to $73,300 — a $43,000 spread, 27% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Alabama employs roughly 1.5% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (5,480 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,300 | $14.57 |
| 25th percentile | $37,250 | $17.91 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,060 | $22.15 |
| 75th percentile | $60,510 | $29.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,300 | $35.24 |
| Mean (average) | $49,800 | $23.94 |
How Alabama Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | $46,060 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +116% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +69% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +63% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +59% |
| California | $72,960 | +58% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +46% |
| New York | $66,390 | +44% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +39% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Alabama
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Metal Workers | $46,100 | 1,630 |
| Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | $46,130 | 1,630 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $46,230 | 1,250 |
| Biological Technicians | $45,880 | 300 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $46,260 | 1,210 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $46,360 | 1,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Alabama?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Alabama is $49,800 per year. The median (middle) salary is $46,060 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Alabama?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Alabama typically earn around $30,300 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,250 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Alabama?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Alabama make approximately $73,300 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,510 per year.
How does the Alabama Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Alabama is $46,060, which is -25% below national average of $61,010.