Marked by major federal agencies and a status as the political and administrative center of the United States, our nation’s capital has effortlessly held a position as the top-paying area in the nation for paralegals. With big names like Hogan Lovells, Jones Day, and Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP (all of which are ranked among the top 10 largest law firms in the nation) and massive federal agencies like the CIA, the Office of the Attorney General, and the United States Courts work here, there may be no better place in the country to lay down roots and get a paralegal career off the ground.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Washington, D.C.
From all cities in the nation, DC ranks fourth for offering the highest average paralegal salary at $86,540 per year, or $41.60 per hour, as of May 2024. That’s over $20,000 more than the national average of $66,510 per year for paralegals. And for those with significant experience and senior-level titles, top 10% salaries here start at $124,800.
And while this small region measures just 68 square miles, it packs a punch in terms of paralegal jobs. As of May 2024, our nation’s capital reported 11,080 paralegal jobs, placing it fourth in the nation among all cities for its number of professionals in this field.
Average Paralegal Salary in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area
It’s no surprise that the top-paid D.C. paralegals boost the salaries of paralegals in the surrounding tri-state area of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area reported an average salary of $86,540, or $41.60 per hour as of May 2024 and a top 10% salary that starts at $124,800, or $60.00 per hour.
In addition to all the jobs available in law firms and government, this metropolitan area is known for its concentration of research and development facilities for technology and engineering firms, providing opportunities for paralegals with expertise in patent and intellectual property law.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2025.