Salary distribution
Where Philadelphia 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 $52,380 and $81,370, with a median of $63,010.
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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How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for paralegals and legal assistants.
- Pittsburgh$60,710
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $63,010.
- Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
- The Philadelphia metro median is +3.4% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $60,950.
- How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
- The Philadelphia metro median is +1.3% versus the BLS national figure of $62,188.
- What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Philadelphia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,360 and the 90th-percentile at $96,530 for the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.