Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Detroit, MI
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
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In Detroit, MI, paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $64,490, which is higher than the national median of $61,010 for this occupation. This figure translates to a median hourly wage of $31.00. When compared to local household incomes in Detroit, where the median stands at $75,123, paralegals and legal assistants earn slightly less on average than typical households in the area. The employment outlook for this profession is stable with an estimated 4,320 individuals working as paralegals or legal assistants in the region, despite a local unemployment rate of 4.50%.
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants in Detroit typically start at the 10th percentile salary of $45,850 annually, while those further along in their careers may earn up to the 90th percentile, which is $95,880 per year. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers can be attributed to several factors including education, specialization, years of experience, and proficiency with legal technologies. As paralegals gain more experience and potentially specialize in high-demand areas such as corporate law or litigation, their earning potential significantly increases. Additionally, those who possess advanced certifications or have developed niche expertise may command salaries closer to the higher end of the scale, reflecting the value they bring to legal teams.
Salary percentile breakdown
Detroit economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make per hour in Detroit?
The median hourly wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Detroit, MI is $31.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.98 or more per hour.
Is Detroit above or below average for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?
The median Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Detroit, MI is 5.7% 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 Detroit?
Entry-level Paralegals and Legal Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $45,850 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,960.