Paralegal salary in Minneapolis, MN
Median pay, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro
$76,220/year
about $36.64 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $60,310 – $86,950
Half of paralegals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area earn more than $76,220 a year and half earn less. That's 21% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,230 | $23.67 |
| 25th | $60,310 | $29.00 |
| Median (50th) | $76,220 | $36.64 |
| 75th | $86,950 | $41.80 |
| 90th (top earners) | $105,220 | $50.59 |
*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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $60,310 ($29.00/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $60,310 to $86,950 ($29.00 to $41.80/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $86,950 ($41.80/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, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.