Paralegal salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$92,900/year
about $44.66 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $74,470 – $108,160
Half of paralegals in the Seattle metro area earn more than $92,900 a year and half earn less. That's 48% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #2 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,320 | $28.52 |
| 25th | $74,470 | $35.80 |
| Median (50th) | $92,900 | $44.66 |
| 75th | $108,160 | $52.00 |
| 90th (top earners) | $119,820 | $57.61 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $74,470 ($35.80/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $74,470 to $108,160 ($35.80 to $52.00/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $108,160 ($52.00/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, Seattle metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.