New Jersey ranks 12th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $36,510 — a 58% gap.
New Jersey employs roughly 3.2% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (11,720 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,540 | $21.42 |
| 25th percentile | $51,670 | $24.84 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,790 | $30.19 |
| 75th percentile | $78,040 | $37.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,360 | $47.29 |
| Mean (average) | $69,010 | $33.18 |
How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | $62,790 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +58% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +19% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +17% |
| California | $72,960 | +16% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +7% |
| New York | $66,390 | +6% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +2% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Jersey
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $62,780 | 900 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $62,860 | 3,140 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $62,890 | 4,370 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $62,900 | 2,180 |
| Construction Laborers | $63,190 | 20,720 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $62,200 | 5,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in New Jersey?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in New Jersey is $69,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $62,790 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in New Jersey?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in New Jersey typically earn around $44,540 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $51,670 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in New Jersey?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Jersey make approximately $98,360 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $78,040 per year.
How does the New Jersey Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in New Jersey is $62,790, which is +3% above national average of $61,010.