Paralegal salary in Austin, TX
Median pay, Austin metro
$64,140/year
about $30.84 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $46,800 – $79,100
Half of paralegals in the Austin metro area earn more than $64,140 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #17 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| 25th | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Median (50th) | $64,140 | $30.84 |
| 75th | $79,100 | $38.03 |
| 90th (top earners) | $100,460 | $48.30 |
*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 Austin metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $46,800 ($22.50/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $46,800 to $79,100 ($22.50 to $38.03/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $79,100 ($38.03/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, Austin metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.