Paralegal salary in Tampa, FL
Median pay, Tampa metro
$60,150/year
about $28.92 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,130 – $76,230
Half of paralegals in the Tampa metro area earn more than $60,150 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #27 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| 25th | $48,130 | $23.14 |
| Median (50th) | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| 75th | $76,230 | $36.65 |
| 90th (top earners) | $80,880 | $38.88 |
*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 Tampa metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,130 ($23.14/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,130 to $76,230 ($23.14 to $36.65/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $76,230 ($36.65/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, Tampa metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.