Paralegal salary in New York, NY
Median pay, New York metro
$75,330/year
about $36.22 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $61,040 – $97,720
Half of paralegals in the New York metro area earn more than $75,330 a year and half earn less. That's 20% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #12 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,180 | $23.64 |
| 25th | $61,040 | $29.35 |
| Median (50th) | $75,330 | $36.22 |
| 75th | $97,720 | $46.98 |
| 90th (top earners) | $121,170 | $58.25 |
*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 New York metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $61,040 ($29.35/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $61,040 to $97,720 ($29.35 to $46.98/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $97,720 ($46.98/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, New York metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.