Salary distribution
Where San Diego paralegals and legal assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $52,660 and $97,040, with a median of $77,550.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- 02
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- 03
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- 04
Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- 05
Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case.
- 06
File pleadings with court clerk.
- 07
Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- 08
Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for paralegals and legal assistants.
- San Jose$97,740
- San Francisco$85,230
- Sacramento$77,170
- Los Angeles$63,110
- Riverside$58,440
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the San Diego metropolitan area is $77,550.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is +6.3% versus the California state median of $72,960.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is +24.7% versus the BLS national figure of $62,188.
- What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $44,980 and the 90th-percentile at $107,410 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.