Paralegal salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$62,730/year
about $30.16 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $49,840 – $80,230
Half of paralegals in the Houston metro area earn more than $62,730 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $62,890, and ranks #22 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,160 | $20.27 |
| 25th | $49,840 | $23.96 |
| Median (50th) | $62,730 | $30.16 |
| 75th | $80,230 | $38.57 |
| 90th (top earners) | $101,370 | $48.74 |
*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 Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $49,840 ($23.96/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $49,840 to $80,230 ($23.96 to $38.57/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $80,230 ($38.57/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, Houston metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.