Paralegal or Legal Assistant Salary in West Virginia 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a paralegal or legal assistant in West Virginia is $47,588 (mean $53,461). After federal, West Virginia state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $37,980/year ($3,165/month).

Median Annual

$47,588

in West Virginia

Mean Annual

$53,461

vs. $68,540 national

Take-Home / yr

$37,980

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

20.2%

federal + state + FICA

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West Virginia vs. national paralegal or legal assistant wages

MetricWest VirginiaNationalDifference
Median annual wage$47,588$61,010-22%
Mean annual wage$53,461$68,540-22%
Take-home (single filer)$37,980after all 2026 taxes

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

Take-home breakdown for $47,588 in West Virginia

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$3,531
West Virginia state income tax
−$2,437
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$3,640
Total taxes
−$9,608

Your paycheck

Annual net
$37,980
Monthly net
$3,165
Bi-weekly net
$1,461
Hourly equivalent
$18.26/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 West Virginia 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 $47,588 paralegal or legal assistant salary in West Virginia?

On a $47,588 paralegal or legal assistant salary in West Virginia, take-home pay is approximately $37,980/year ($3,165/month, $1,461/bi-weekly). That accounts for $3,531 in federal income tax, 2,437 in West Virginia state income tax, and $3,640 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 20.2%.

Highest-paying states for Paralegal or Legal Assistants

Related occupations in West Virginia

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