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Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$77,390
Median Annual Salary
▲
+6.1% vs 2024
$81,320
Mean Salary
$77,390
Median Salary
$37.21
Hourly Rate
47,130 people work as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California earn a median salary of $77,390 per year ($6,449/month).
This is 24.6% above the national average of $62,104.
California ranks #5 out of 51 states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay.
Approximately 47,130 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 6.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.75
Speaking
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.38
Key Knowledge Areas
Administrative
4.07
English Language
4.06
Law and Government
3.94
Customer and Personal Service
3.82
Computers and Electronics
3.6
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(50.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California
Salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California range from $50,460 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $119,580 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,170 and $98,430.
Median $77,390
P10: $50,460P25: $60,170P75: $98,430P90: $119,580
10th
$50,460
25th
$60,170
Median
$77,390
75th
$98,430
90th
$119,580
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$50,460
$24.26
$4,205
25th Percentile
$60,170
$28.93
$5,014
Median (50th)
$77,390
$37.21
$6,449
75th Percentile
$98,430
$47.32
$8,202
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$119,580
$57.49
$9,965
Note: The mean (average) salary of $81,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California is $77,390 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $81,320.
What is the salary range for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California?
Salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California range from $50,460 at the 10th percentile to $119,580 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $60,170 and $98,430.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California?
Entry-level Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions in California typically start around $50,460 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $60,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 47,130 people are employed as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in California is approximately $37.21 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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