Paralegal salary in Nashville, TN
Median pay, Nashville metro
$60,800/year
about $29.23 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,530 – $75,550
Half of paralegals in the Nashville metro area earn more than $60,800 a year and half earn less. That's 3% lower than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #26 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,780 | $22.01 |
| 25th | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Median (50th) | $60,800 | $29.23 |
| 75th | $75,550 | $36.32 |
| 90th (top earners) | $94,280 | $45.33 |
*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 Nashville metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,530 ($22.85/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,530 to $75,550 ($22.85 to $36.32/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $75,550 ($36.32/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, Nashville metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.