New York ranks 7th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $32,910 — a 50% gap.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are more concentrated in New York than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.25 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.25× the national share.
New York employs roughly 7.8% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (28,510 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,880 | $23.02 |
| 25th percentile | $57,570 | $27.68 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $66,390 | $31.92 |
| 75th percentile | $89,540 | $43.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $105,910 | $50.92 |
| Mean (average) | $74,580 | $35.86 |
How New York Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New York |
|---|---|---|
| New York (current) | $66,390 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +50% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +18% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +13% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +11% |
| California | $72,960 | +10% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +1% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | -4% |
| Maryland | $63,560 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New York
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Paramedics | $66,420 | 5,820 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $66,280 | 4,610 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $66,670 | 22,710 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $66,090 | 4,180 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $66,830 | 3,910 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $66,840 | 14,320 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in New York?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in New York is $74,580 per year. The median (middle) salary is $66,390 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in New York?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in New York typically earn around $47,880 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $57,570 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in New York?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New York make approximately $105,910 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $89,540 per year.
How does the New York Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in New York is $66,390, which is +9% above national average of $61,010.