Paralegal salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$80,500/year
about $38.70 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $68,120 – $97,800
Half of paralegals in the Denver metro area earn more than $80,500 a year and half earn less. That's 28% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,590 | $29.13 |
| 25th | $68,120 | $32.75 |
| Median (50th) | $80,500 | $38.70 |
| 75th | $97,800 | $47.02 |
| 90th (top earners) | $111,560 | $53.63 |
*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 Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $68,120 ($32.75/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $68,120 to $97,800 ($32.75 to $47.02/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $97,800 ($47.02/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, Denver metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.