Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in District of Columbia
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - DC
Median Annual Salary in District of Columbia
$78,144
$37.57 / hour
▲ 32.0% above national avg
National Median
$59,200
$28.46 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$50,710
Missouri equivalent (COL: 154.1)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $41,416 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,264 |
| 50th (Median) | $78,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,839 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $134,408 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The District of Columbia median salary of $78,144 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants has the purchasing power of approximately $50,710 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
District of Columbia's higher cost of living (COL index: 154.1) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in District of Columbia?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in District of Columbia earn a median annual salary of $78,144 per year ($37.57/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $59,200.
Is District of Columbia a good state for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
District of Columbia pays above the national average for paralegals and legal assistants, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in District of Columbia is higher average (COL index: 154.1).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in District of Columbia?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 154.1 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $78,144 salary in District of Columbia has the purchasing power of approximately $50,710 in Missouri. Higher living costs in District of Columbia reduce real purchasing power.
How does District of Columbia compare to neighboring states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in District of Columbia
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiologists | $409,094 |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $404,210 |
| 3 | Neurologists | $390,192 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $388,766 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $358,882 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $329,733 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $321,974 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $321,209 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Paralegals and Legal Assistants in District of Columbia
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree