📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Paralegal Salary in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$89,984
per year
Median
$85,470
per year
Hourly
$43.26
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$57,972
25th Percentile — Junior$75,114
50th Percentile — Median$85,470
75th Percentile — Senior$113,685
90th Percentile — Top Earners$128,247
💡 Top-earning Paralegals in District of Columbia make up to $128,247 per year. The job market in District of Columbia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Finance, Technology.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$74.7k
2021
$77.5k
2022
$80.5k
2023
$83.5k
2024
$86.7k
2025
$90.0k
2026
📈 Paralegal salaries in District of Columbia have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in District of Columbia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Paralegal Salary by City in District of Columbia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Washington $136,776 +52.0% High
🔍
Paralegal Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Paralegals. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $89,984 per year, District of Columbia's Paralegal salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $57,972–$75,114, while experienced Paralegals can command $113,685–$128,247.

Looking ahead, the Paralegal profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Paralegal salary in District of Columbia is $89,984 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $59,200.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Paralegals the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Paralegal employment.
  • At $89,984/year, District of Columbia Paralegal salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $59,200/year.