California ranks 5th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $26,340 — a 36% gap.
California employs roughly 12.5% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (45,740 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.