Paralegal salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$70,430/year
about $33.86 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $60,110 – $81,660
Half of paralegals in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $70,430 a year and half earn less. That's 12% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,970 | $23.54 |
| 25th | $60,110 | $28.90 |
| Median (50th) | $70,430 | $33.86 |
| 75th | $81,660 | $39.26 |
| 90th (top earners) | $97,950 | $47.09 |
*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 Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $60,110 ($28.90/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $60,110 to $81,660 ($28.90 to $39.26/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $81,660 ($39.26/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, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.