Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Baltimore, MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Median annual salary $68,390 +12.1% vs national
Median hourly $32.88
10th percentile $47,030
90th percentile $94,010
Employed locally 3,400
National median $61,010

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Paralegals and Legal Assistants
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    In Baltimore, MD, paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $68,390, which is higher than the national median of $61,010. This figure translates to a median hourly wage of $32.88. Compared to the local area's median household income of $97,300, the earnings for these professionals are significant but still below the average household income in the region. The discrepancy suggests that while paralegals and legal assistants earn well above many other professions locally, their compensation may not always align with or exceed the broader economic context of household incomes in Baltimore.

    Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants typically earn around $47,030 annually (10th percentile), whereas those at the 25th percentile make about $55,910. On the higher end, experienced professionals within the 75th percentile can earn approximately $82,080 per year, with top earners in the 90th percentile reaching salaries of nearly $94,010. The disparity between entry-level and more seasoned workers is driven by several factors including accumulated experience, specialization, the complexity of tasks handled, and performance over time. As professionals gain expertise and build a track record within their roles, they tend to move up the salary scale, reflecting both increased responsibility and contribution to their respective legal teams.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,030
    25th
    $55,910
    50th (median)
    $68,390
    75th
    $82,080
    90th
    $94,010

    Baltimore economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,300 2023 • Census ACS
    Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary vs area income 70% Median Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make per hour in Baltimore?

    The median hourly wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Baltimore, MD is $32.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.88 or more per hour.

    Is Baltimore above or below average for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?

    The median Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Baltimore, MD is 12.1% above the national median of $61,010. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Baltimore?

    Entry-level Paralegals and Legal Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $47,030 per year in Baltimore, MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $55,910.