Paralegal salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$78,550/year
about $37.76 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $61,740 – $97,910
Half of paralegals in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $78,550 a year and half earn less. That's 25% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #7 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,980 | $24.99 |
| 25th | $61,740 | $29.68 |
| Median (50th) | $78,550 | $37.76 |
| 75th | $97,910 | $47.07 |
| 90th (top earners) | $113,290 | $54.47 |
*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 Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $61,740 ($29.68/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $61,740 to $97,910 ($29.68 to $47.07/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $97,910 ($47.07/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, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.