Virginia ranks 18th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $38,100 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,100 to $97,520 — a $53,420 spread, 10% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Virginia employs roughly 2.3% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (8,570 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,100 | $21.20 |
| 25th percentile | $48,620 | $23.37 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,200 | $29.42 |
| 75th percentile | $79,470 | $38.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,520 | $46.89 |
| Mean (average) | $66,570 | $32.01 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $61,200 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +62% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +23% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +20% |
| California | $72,960 | +19% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +10% |
| New York | $66,390 | +8% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Postal Service Clerks | $61,110 | 2,190 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $61,470 | 2,930 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $60,930 | 18,420 |
| Machinists | $60,920 | 6,140 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $60,800 | 450 |
| Electricians | $61,610 | 24,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Virginia?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Virginia is $66,570 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,200 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Virginia?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $44,100 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,620 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $97,520 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $79,470 per year.
How does the Virginia Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Virginia is $61,200, which is +0% above national average of $61,010.