Paralegal vs Lawyer Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Paralegal and Lawyer — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Lawyers earn more nationally
$151,160 median vs $61,010 — a $90,150/yr difference (148% higher)
Median Salary
$61,010
Salary Range
$39,710 – $98,990
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$151,160
Salary Range
$72,780 – N/A
10th–90th percentile
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Paralegal or Lawyer pay more?▾
Lawyers earn more nationally, with a median salary of $151,160 versus $61,010 for Paralegal. That's a difference of about $90,150 per year.
What's the salary range for a Paralegal vs a Lawyer?▾
Paralegal salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile). Lawyer salaries range from $72,780 to N/A.
Which career has more growth potential — Paralegal or Lawyer?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.