Paralegal salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$63,400/year
about $30.48 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $59,040 – $78,620
Half of paralegals in the Detroit metro area earn more than $63,400 a year and half earn less. That's 1% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #20 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,500 | $23.80 |
| 25th | $59,040 | $28.38 |
| Median (50th) | $63,400 | $30.48 |
| 75th | $78,620 | $37.80 |
| 90th (top earners) | $97,710 | $46.98 |
*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 Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $59,040 ($28.38/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $59,040 to $78,620 ($28.38 to $37.80/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $78,620 ($37.80/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, Detroit metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.