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Legal Secretary Salary in Los Angeles, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living (index: 173). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Legal Secretary Salary in Los Angeles β€” Key Numbers

$89,960
Median Salary
$67,124
25th Percentile
$118,678
75th Percentile
$149,645
90th Percentile
National median (Legal Secretary)$52,000
vs. National median+73.0%
Los Angeles median household income$76,000
vs. City household income+18.4%

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Cost of Living Index
173(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.3%
Annual rent cost$24,600
Median Home Price$860,000
Home Price / Salary9.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$172,000
Years to save (20% rate)9.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Los Angeles

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
13,200,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
36.4
Median Age

Los Angeles has a metro population of 13,200,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Secretary make in Los Angeles, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Legal Secretary in Los Angeles is $89,960 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $52,000 adjusted by Los Angeles's cost of living index (173). The typical salary range runs from $67,124 (25th percentile) to $118,678 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $149,645.

Is Los Angeles affordable for a Legal Secretary?

On a $89,960 annual salary, a Legal Secretary in Los Angeles would spend approximately 27.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,050/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Los Angeles relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $860,000 is 9.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Legal Secretary's salary compare to Los Angeles's overall income?

Los Angeles's median household income is $76,000. A Legal Secretary earning the city-adjusted median of $89,960 earns 18.4% more than the typical Los Angeles household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.