Paralegal Salary in New York, NY
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Legal · COL Index: 187.2
$73,470
Median Salary
$77,050
Mean Salary
$39,247
COL-Adjusted
29,300
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $49,150 | $26,255 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,040 | $32,073 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $73,470 | $39,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,480 | $48,333 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $107,520 | $57,436 |
What Drives the Range
The $58,370 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Paralegal positions in New York, NY reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
New York, NY's cost-of-living index of 187.2 means that a $73,470 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $39,247 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.