A pro-business climate that’s supported by major corporations like Home Depot, UPS, and Coca-Cola has allowed Georgia to post year-over-year economic growth and a steady spot among the top states in the nation to do business, according to Forbes.
Paralegals with a variety of legal backgrounds can benefit from Georgia’s robust economy, since the state competes very effectively in headquarters operations, high-tech, business and professional services, movie and TV production and distribution/logistics.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Georgia
As of May 2024, the average salary for paralegals in Georgia was $62,400, or $30.00 per hour. But for those paralegals with extensive experience, industry credentials, and specialty knowledge in an area of law like litigation, bankruptcy, civil rights, or family law can quickly climb the career ladder and earn a salary that reflects the top 10% of earners here, which started at $92,500, or $44.47 per hour during this time.
According to the American Bar Association, the number of active lawyers in Georgia has increased by 14.8% between 2011 and 2021. As of 2024 the ABA reports a total of 34,307 resident lawyers in Georgia. This type of meteoric growth bodes well for paralegal job opportunities well into the future.
Average Paralegal Salary in Georgia by City
Not surprising, Atlanta, which is home to massive corporations like Mercedes-Benz and Home Depot, is a hotbed for paralegals, ranking sixth in the nation among metro areas for its number of paralegals (10,810 professionals as of 2024). The Atlanta metro area also offers the highest average paralegal salary in the state, coming in as much as $20,000 more than other Georgia metro areas.
Albany:
- Average – $47,700 ($22.93 hourly)
- Top 10% – $73,430 ($35.30 hourly)
Athens:
- Average – $47,350 ($22.76 hourly)
- Top 10% – $62,130 ($29.87 hourly)
Atlanta:
- Average – $66,380 ($31.92 hourly)
- Top 10% – $100,700 ($48.41 hourly)
Augusta:
- Average – $53,740 ($25.84 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,250 ($36.18 hourly)
Brunswick:
- Average – $47,790 ($22.97 hourly)
- Top 10% – $63,930 ($30.74 hourly)
Columbus:
- Average – $48,900 ($23.51 hourly)
- Top 10% – $74,040 ($35.59 hourly)
Dalton:
- Average – $45,390 ($21.82 hourly)
- Top 10% – $60,770 ($29.22 hourly)
Gainesville:
- Average – $52,090 ($25.04 hourly)
- Top 10% – $78,440 ($37.71 hourly)
Hinesville:
- Average – $47,870 ($23.02 hourly)
- Top 10% – $74,790 ($35.96 hourly)
Macon:
- Average – $50,720 ($24.38 hourly)
- Top 10% – $76,560 ($36.81 hourly)
Rome:
- Average – $54,260 ($26.09 hourly)
- Top 10% – $93,740 ($45.07 hourly)
Savannah:
- Average – $56,440 ($27.13 hourly)
- Top 10% – $79,110 ($38.04 hourly)
Valdosta:
- Average – $46,500 ($22.36 hourly)
- Top 10% – $58,860 ($28.30 hourly)
Warner Robins:
- Average – $49,330 ($23.72 hourly)
- Top 10% – $63,380 ($30.47 hourly)
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.