Paralegal Salaries

Paralegal salaries depend on various factors such as education, training, experience, geographic location and type of the firm. Paralegals who work in large metropolitan areas generally earn more money than those who work in less populated regions. Generally, the annual salary of a paralegal can range from $24,470 to more than $61,150. The median salary of a paralegal is approximately $33,000. Benefits included in the annual salary of a paralegal are health insurance, sick leave, vacation time and retirement plan. Many paralegals receive year end and case bonuses in addition to their annual salary.

There is salary variation in large firms, small legal firms and government agencies. Paralegals working for the government receive higher salaries and benefits. The large law firms pay higher salary to paralegals than the smaller ones. Some of the law firms give higher salaries and benefits to paralegals with specific qualifications. Attorneys generally pay paralegals based on the quantity and quality of their work. Paralegals can get discretionary bonus based on their overall performance. Overtime payment for the paralegals depends on whether the paralegal is an exempt or nonexempt employee. Nonexempt employees can get overtime compensation under the state laws. Regulations for paralegals may vary with each state. This change also affects the annual salary of paralegals.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Legal Assistants, the average annual salary for paralegals in 2004 was $46,862. The average annual bonus was around $3,339. The average total annual salary including bonus was $50,255. The survey highlights that the salaries for paralegals increased by an average of $1,700 per year. The median average salary for a paralegal in Los Angeles is $45,116. In San Francisco, paralegals can expect a beginning salary ranging from $30,000 to $45,000. A senior paralegal in San Francisco can expect a salary of $55,000.

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