Paralegal salary in St. Louis, MO
Median pay, St. Louis metro
$61,970/year
about $29.79 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,790 – $76,580
Half of paralegals in the St. Louis metro area earn more than $61,970 a year and half earn less. That's 1% lower than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #25 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,950 | $22.09 |
| 25th | $47,790 | $22.98 |
| Median (50th) | $61,970 | $29.79 |
| 75th | $76,580 | $36.82 |
| 90th (top earners) | $97,830 | $47.03 |
*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 St. Louis metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,790 ($22.98/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,790 to $76,580 ($22.98 to $36.82/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $76,580 ($36.82/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, St. Louis metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.