Paralegal salary in Atlanta, GA
Median pay, Atlanta metro
$64,080/year
about $30.81 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $50,700 – $83,250
Half of paralegals in the Atlanta metro area earn more than $64,080 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #18 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,500 | $21.88 |
| 25th | $50,700 | $24.38 |
| Median (50th) | $64,080 | $30.81 |
| 75th | $83,250 | $40.02 |
| 90th (top earners) | $105,310 | $50.63 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a paralegal job in the Atlanta metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $50,700 ($24.38/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $50,700 to $83,250 ($24.38 to $40.02/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $83,250 ($40.02/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Large law firms usually pay more than small firms or in-house roles, but often expect longer hours.
- Ask whether overtime is paid. Many paralegal roles qualify for it.
- A paralegal certificate or experience in a specific practice area can support a higher offer.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Atlanta metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.