Paralegal salary in San Jose, CA
Median pay, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro
$99,250/year
about $47.72 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $77,610 – $119,120
Half of paralegals in the San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area earn more than $99,250 a year and half earn less. That's 58% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,030 | $28.86 |
| 25th | $77,610 | $37.31 |
| Median (50th) | $99,250 | $47.72 |
| 75th | $119,120 | $57.27 |
| 90th (top earners) | $157,450 | $75.70 |
*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 San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $77,610 ($37.31/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $77,610 to $119,120 ($37.31 to $57.27/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $119,120 ($57.27/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, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.