Paralegal salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$79,850/year
about $38.39 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $63,850 – $98,470
Half of paralegals in the Boston metro area earn more than $79,850 a year and half earn less. That's 27% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,340 | $24.20 |
| 25th | $63,850 | $30.70 |
| Median (50th) | $79,850 | $38.39 |
| 75th | $98,470 | $47.34 |
| 90th (top earners) | $126,470 | $60.80 |
*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 Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $63,850 ($30.70/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $63,850 to $98,470 ($30.70 to $47.34/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $98,470 ($47.34/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, Boston metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.