Paralegal salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$81,590/year
about $39.23 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $64,180 – $106,990
Half of paralegals in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $81,590 a year and half earn less. That's 30% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #4 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $57,160 | $27.48 |
| 25th | $64,180 | $30.86 |
| Median (50th) | $81,590 | $39.23 |
| 75th | $106,990 | $51.44 |
| 90th (top earners) | $126,020 | $60.59 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $64,180 ($30.86/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $64,180 to $106,990 ($30.86 to $51.44/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $106,990 ($51.44/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.