Michigan ranks 15th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $37,810 — a 61% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,110 to $88,000 — a $43,890 spread, 26% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are less concentrated in Michigan than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.69 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,110 | $21.21 |
| 25th percentile | $48,610 | $23.37 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,490 | $29.56 |
| 75th percentile | $76,680 | $36.87 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,000 | $42.31 |
| Mean (average) | $65,430 | $31.46 |
How Michigan Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan (current) | $61,490 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +61% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +22% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +19% |
| California | $72,960 | +19% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +9% |
| New York | $66,390 | +8% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Michigan
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $61,560 | 14,090 |
| Carpenters | $61,410 | 21,550 |
| Food Service Managers | $61,400 | 9,490 |
| Flight Attendants | $61,370 | N/A |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $61,680 | 4,590 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $61,740 | 1,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Michigan?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Michigan is $65,430 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,490 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Michigan?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Michigan typically earn around $44,110 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,610 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Michigan?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Michigan make approximately $88,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $76,680 per year.
How does the Michigan Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Michigan is $61,490, which is +1% above national average of $61,010.