Paralegal or Legal Assistant Salary in Arkansas 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a paralegal or legal assistant in Arkansas is $48,808 (mean $54,832). After federal, Arkansas state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $39,250/year ($3,271/month).

Median Annual

$48,808

in Arkansas

Mean Annual

$54,832

vs. $68,540 national

Take-Home / yr

$39,250

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

19.6%

federal + state + FICA

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Arkansas vs. national paralegal or legal assistant wages

MetricArkansasNationalDifference
Median annual wage$48,808$61,010-20%
Mean annual wage$54,832$68,540-20%
Take-home (single filer)$39,250after all 2026 taxes

Arkansas median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.

Take-home breakdown for $48,808 in Arkansas

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$3,677
Arkansas state income tax
−$2,148
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$3,734
Total taxes
−$9,558

Your paycheck

Annual net
$39,250
Monthly net
$3,271
Bi-weekly net
$1,510
Hourly equivalent
$18.87/hr

Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.

About this occupation

Supports lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and assisting with trial preparation.

Outlook (2023-2033)

+1% (2023-2033, little or no change)

Typical Education

Associate's degree in paralegal studies or bachelor's degree + certificate

BLS SOC Code

23-2011

Frequently asked questions

How much does a paralegal make in in Arkansas in 2026?

The national median annual wage for paralegals was $61,010 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay runs roughly $48,000-$52,000 depending on state. Specialized paralegals (patent, IP, complex litigation) can earn $90K+.

Which states pay paralegals the most?

The District of Columbia ($85K median), California ($78K), New York ($75K), Massachusetts ($72K), and Washington ($70K) lead the country. Major law firms and government agencies drive top pay.

What is the take-home pay on a $48,808 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Arkansas?

On a $48,808 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Arkansas, take-home pay is approximately $39,250/year ($3,271/month, $1,510/bi-weekly). That accounts for $3,677 in federal income tax, 2,148 in Arkansas state income tax, and $3,734 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 19.6%.

Highest-paying states for Paralegal or Legal Assistants

Related occupations in Arkansas

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