Tennessee ranks 34th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $44,030 — a 80% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,810 to $76,510 — a $38,700 spread, 35% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.75 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.33× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,810 | $18.18 |
| 25th percentile | $46,350 | $22.28 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,270 | $26.57 |
| 75th percentile | $63,860 | $30.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,510 | $36.79 |
| Mean (average) | $57,360 | $27.58 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $55,270 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +80% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +41% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +36% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +33% |
| California | $72,960 | +32% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +22% |
| New York | $66,390 | +20% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $55,510 | 1,300 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,610 | 63,130 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $55,750 | 1,320 |
| Health Education Specialists | $55,970 | 870 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $54,530 | 19,140 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $54,420 | 11,010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Tennessee?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Tennessee is $57,360 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,270 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $37,810 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,350 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $76,510 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,860 per year.
How does the Tennessee Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Tennessee is $55,270, which is -9% below national average of $61,010.