District of Columbia pays paralegals and legal assistants more than any other state — its $99,300 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $59,930 to $128,100 — a $68,170 spread, 15% wider than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are more concentrated in District of Columbia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 3.48 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 3.48× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| 25th percentile | $72,950 | $35.07 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $99,300 | $47.74 |
| 75th percentile | $109,320 | $52.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,100 | $61.59 |
| Mean (average) | $96,200 | $46.25 |
How District of Columbia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | $99,300 | n/a |
| Washington | $78,010 | -21% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | -24% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | -26% |
| California | $72,960 | -27% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | -32% |
| New York | $66,390 | -33% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | -36% |
| Maryland | $63,560 | -36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapists | $99,290 | 530 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $99,080 | 550 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $99,700 | 690 |
| Producers and Directors | $99,900 | 2,810 |
| Insurance Underwriters | $100,660 | 100 |
| School Psychologists | $100,720 | 280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in District of Columbia?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in District of Columbia is $96,200 per year. The median (middle) salary is $99,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in District of Columbia?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in District of Columbia typically earn around $59,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $72,950 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in District of Columbia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in District of Columbia make approximately $128,100 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $109,320 per year.
How does the District of Columbia Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in District of Columbia is $99,300, which is +63% above national average of $61,010.