Paralegal Salary in Portland, OR
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Legal · COL Index: 130.1
$74,470
Median Salary
$74,410
Mean Salary
$57,241
COL-Adjusted
3,350
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $50,420 | $38,755 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,870 | $44,481 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $74,470 | $57,241 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,220 | $63,966 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $101,330 | $77,886 |
What Drives the Range
The $50,910 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Paralegal positions in Portland, OR 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.
Portland, OR's cost-of-living index of 130.1 means that a $74,470 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $57,241 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.