Paralegal salary in Baltimore, MD
Median pay, Baltimore metro
$65,640/year
about $31.56 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $51,660 – $81,560
Half of paralegals in the Baltimore metro area earn more than $65,640 a year and half earn less. That's 4% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #16 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,930 | $24.00 |
| 25th | $51,660 | $24.84 |
| Median (50th) | $65,640 | $31.56 |
| 75th | $81,560 | $39.21 |
| 90th (top earners) | $97,510 | $46.88 |
*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 Baltimore metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $51,660 ($24.84/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $51,660 to $81,560 ($24.84 to $39.21/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $81,560 ($39.21/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, Baltimore metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.