Paralegal or Legal Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a paralegal or legal assistant in Pennsylvania is $57,960 (mean $65,113). After federal, Pennsylvania state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $46,971/year ($3,914/month).

Median Annual

$57,960

in Pennsylvania

Mean Annual

$65,113

vs. $68,540 national

Take-Home / yr

$46,971

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

19.0%

federal + state + FICA

Run the full calculator with this occupation's median salary pre-loaded for Pennsylvania.

Open Calculator →

Pennsylvania vs. national paralegal or legal assistant wages

MetricPennsylvaniaNationalDifference
Median annual wage$57,960$61,010-5%
Mean annual wage$65,113$68,540-5%
Take-home (single filer)$46,971after all 2026 taxes

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

Take-home breakdown for $57,960 in Pennsylvania

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$4,775
Pennsylvania state income tax
−$1,779
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$4,434
Total taxes
−$10,989

Your paycheck

Annual net
$46,971
Monthly net
$3,914
Bi-weekly net
$1,807
Hourly equivalent
$22.58/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 Pennsylvania 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 $57,960 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Pennsylvania?

On a $57,960 paralegal or legal assistant salary in Pennsylvania, take-home pay is approximately $46,971/year ($3,914/month, $1,807/bi-weekly). That accounts for $4,775 in federal income tax, 1,779 in Pennsylvania state income tax, and $4,434 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 19.0%.

Highest-paying states for Paralegal or Legal Assistants

Related occupations in Pennsylvania

Want to model your own salary?

Open the Paralegal or Legal Assistant + Pennsylvania combo in the full calculator. Pre-filled with $57,960. Adjust filing status, 401(k), and other deductions.

Open Calculator →