Average Paralegal Salary in Maryland
Paralegals in Maryland earn an average of $64,014 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$64,014
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.78
per hour
vs National
+5.0%
$60,970 national
Salary Range
$41,939
to $96,130
About Paralegal Careers in Maryland
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and coordinating litigation logistics. The median annual salary is approximately $59,200, with experienced paralegals at large law firms, corporations, and government agencies earning $75,000–$100,000+. Paralegals who specialize in high-stakes practice areas — corporate M&A, intellectual property, real estate, or complex litigation — command premium compensation and shoulder significant responsibility. The profession occupies a unique space: paralegals perform substantive legal work that would otherwise require an attorney's time, making them essential to law firm economics and the delivery of affordable legal services.
In Maryland, paralegals earn an average of $64,014 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $41,939 for entry-level roles to $96,130 for the most experienced professionals — +5.0% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice area specialty — ip, corporate m&a, and complex litigation pay significantly more than family law or criminal defense, employer type — large law firms (amlaw 100) and fortune 500 in-house departments pay the most, and the specific metro area within Maryland.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$64,014
Cost of Living Index
120
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$53,345
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Maryland's cost of living (above average), a Paralegal's salary of $64,014 has the purchasing power of $53,345 in an average-cost area.
Paralegal Salary by City in Maryland
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | $64,014 | $30.78/hr | $41,939 | $96,130 | 303 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Maryland vs National Average
Paralegal Salary Comparison
Employment in Maryland
There are approximately 303 Paralegals employed across 1 metro area in Maryland.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Paralegal Salary Range in Maryland
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$41,939
Starting salary for new Paralegals
Median (50th Percentile)
$64,014
Mid-career Paralegal salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$96,130
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Maryland
Paralegal Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Paralegal salaries in Maryland with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Maryland Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegal salary in Maryland?
The average Paralegal salary in Maryland is $64,014 per year ($30.78/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.0% above the national average of $60,970.
What is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Maryland?
Baltimore, MD is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Maryland, with a median salary of $64,014 per year.
What is the salary range for Paralegals in Maryland?
Paralegal salaries in Maryland range from $41,939 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $96,130 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $64,014 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Maryland. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.