South Carolina ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $50,660 — a 104% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,570 to $67,950 — a $32,380 spread, 45% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are more concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.34 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.34× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| 25th percentile | $40,530 | $19.49 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,640 | $23.39 |
| 75th percentile | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,950 | $32.67 |
| Mean (average) | $51,550 | $24.78 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $48,640 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +104% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +60% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +54% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +51% |
| California | $72,960 | +50% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +38% |
| New York | $66,390 | +36% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +32% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $48,540 | 940 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $48,470 | 4,940 |
| Information and Record Clerks, All Other | $48,470 | 990 |
| Carpenters | $48,910 | 7,070 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $48,210 | 2,020 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $49,120 | 7,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in South Carolina?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in South Carolina is $51,550 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,640 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in South Carolina?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $35,570 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $40,530 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $67,950 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $58,180 per year.
How does the South Carolina Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in South Carolina is $48,640, which is -20% below national average of $61,010.