Paralegal or Legal Assistant Salary in Maryland 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a paralegal or legal assistant in Maryland is $65,891 (mean $74,023). After federal, Maryland state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $51,994/year ($4,333/month).

Median Annual

$65,891

in Maryland

Mean Annual

$74,023

vs. $68,540 national

Take-Home / yr

$51,994

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

21.1%

federal + state + FICA

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Maryland vs. national paralegal or legal assistant wages

MetricMarylandNationalDifference
Median annual wage$65,891$61,010+8%
Mean annual wage$74,023$68,540+8%
Take-home (single filer)$51,994after all 2026 taxes

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

Take-home breakdown for $65,891 in Maryland

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$5,727
Maryland state income tax
−$3,130
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$5,041
Total taxes
−$13,897

Your paycheck

Annual net
$51,994
Monthly net
$4,333
Bi-weekly net
$2,000
Hourly equivalent
$25.00/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 Maryland 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 $65,891 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Maryland?

On a $65,891 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Maryland, take-home pay is approximately $51,994/year ($4,333/month, $2,000/bi-weekly). That accounts for $5,727 in federal income tax, 3,130 in Maryland state income tax, and $5,041 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 21.1%.

Highest-paying states for Paralegal or Legal Assistants

Related occupations in Maryland

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