Missouri ranks 28th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $40,570 — a 69% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,400 to $84,610 — a $47,210 spread, 20% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Missouri employs roughly 1.7% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (6,410 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| 25th percentile | $45,590 | $21.92 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,730 | $28.24 |
| 75th percentile | $71,310 | $34.28 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,610 | $40.68 |
| Mean (average) | $60,260 | $28.97 |
How Missouri Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (current) | $58,730 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +69% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +28% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +25% |
| California | $72,960 | +24% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +15% |
| New York | $66,390 | +13% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Missouri
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Editors | $58,740 | 1,020 |
| Chemical Technicians | $58,690 | 700 |
| Interior Designers | $58,830 | 960 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $58,900 | 4,440 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $58,920 | 1,480 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $58,920 | 2,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Missouri?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Missouri is $60,260 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,730 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Missouri?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Missouri typically earn around $37,400 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,590 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Missouri?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Missouri make approximately $84,610 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $71,310 per year.
How does the Missouri Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Missouri is $58,730, which is -4% below national average of $61,010.