Paralegal salary in Washington
A strong career option in Washington — with programs that take 6 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$79,400/ yr
$6,617 / mo · $38.17 / hr
↑ $16,510 above the national median ($62,890)
Pay by experience
Entry
$50,482
Median
$79,400
Experienced
$116,750
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 4 years
Projected growth
+0.2%
Annual openings
39,300
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Washington compares to the national wage trend
Washington median
$79,400
2025 national
$62,890
2024 national
$61,010
↑ +3.1% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+0.2% projected growth through 2034
39,300 average annual openings nationwide for Paralegals.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Paralegal (entry-level)$50,482
- Paralegal (mid-career)$79,400
- Paralegal (experienced)$116,750
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$14,448
- Time to complete6 months to 4 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$50,482
- Median salary$79,400
- Experienced salary$116,750
At an entry wage of $50,482, most Paralegals break even on the $14,448 training investment in about 4 months of work.
How to become a Paralegal in Washington
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Paralegal program in Washington
Browse certified training programs. Most Paralegal tracks complete in 6 months to 4 years and average $14,448 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Washington.
Get hired in Washington
With roughly 39,300 Paralegal openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Washington.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Paralegal in Washington is $79,400 per year, which is $38.17 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $50,482 while experienced Paralegals can earn up to $116,750 annually.
Next step
Find Paralegal Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Paralegal classes in your area.