Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,000 | $23.08 |
| 25th percentile | $57,040 | $27.43 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $72,960 | $35.08 |
| 75th percentile | $95,910 | $46.11 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $105,350 | $50.65 |
| Mean (average) | $76,920 | $36.98 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $72,960 | — |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +36% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +7% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +3% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +1% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | -8% |
| New York | $66,390 | -9% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | -12% |
| Maryland | $63,560 | -13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Specialists | $72,930 | 44,750 |
| Tax Preparers | $73,210 | 10,700 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $73,510 | 6,710 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $72,390 | 8,080 |
| Paramedics | $72,180 | 6,090 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $73,840 | 25,790 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in California?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in California is $76,920 per year. The median (middle) salary is $72,960 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $48,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $57,040 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $105,350 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $95,910 per year.
How does the California Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in California is $72,960, which is +20% above national average of $61,010.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes