Wisconsin ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $42,780 — a 76% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,810 to $81,910 — a $38,100 spread, 36% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are less concentrated in Wisconsin than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,810 | $21.06 |
| 25th percentile | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,520 | $27.18 |
| 75th percentile | $74,870 | $36.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,910 | $39.38 |
| Mean (average) | $60,450 | $29.06 |
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (current) | $56,520 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +76% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +38% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +33% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +30% |
| California | $72,960 | +29% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +19% |
| New York | $66,390 | +17% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Service Managers | $56,510 | 5,880 |
| Chemical Technicians | $56,960 | 970 |
| Paramedics | $56,010 | 1,910 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $57,380 | 52,980 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $55,660 | 840 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,630 | 16,820 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Wisconsin?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Wisconsin is $60,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $56,520 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wisconsin?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Wisconsin typically earn around $43,810 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,700 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Wisconsin?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Wisconsin make approximately $81,910 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $74,870 per year.
How does the Wisconsin Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Wisconsin is $56,520, which is -7% below national average of $61,010.