Paralegal salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Median pay, Pittsburgh metro
$63,620/year
about $30.59 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $50,400 – $79,060
Half of paralegals in the Pittsburgh metro area earn more than $63,620 a year and half earn less. That's 1% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #19 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,710 | $21.98 |
| 25th | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Median (50th) | $63,620 | $30.59 |
| 75th | $79,060 | $38.01 |
| 90th (top earners) | $94,680 | $45.52 |
*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 Pittsburgh metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $50,400 ($24.23/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $50,400 to $79,060 ($24.23 to $38.01/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $79,060 ($38.01/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, Pittsburgh metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.