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Paralegal Salary in Memphis, TN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Memphis's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Paralegal Salary in Memphis β€” Key Numbers

$49,728
Median Salary
$37,187
25th Percentile
$65,302
75th Percentile
$84,277
90th Percentile
National median (Paralegal)$59,200
vs. National median-16.0%
Memphis median household income$50,200
vs. City household income-0.9%

Cost of Living in Memphis

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$908/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.9%
Annual rent cost$10,896
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 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 Memphis

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,360,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
35.4
Median Age

Memphis has a metro population of 1,360,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Paralegal make in Memphis, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Paralegal in Memphis is $49,728 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,200 adjusted by Memphis's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $37,187 (25th percentile) to $65,302 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $84,277.

Is Memphis affordable for a Paralegal?

On a $49,728 annual salary, a Paralegal in Memphis would spend approximately 21.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($908/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Memphis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $195,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Paralegal's salary compare to Memphis's overall income?

Memphis's median household income is $50,200. A Paralegal earning the city-adjusted median of $49,728 earns 0.9% less than the typical Memphis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Memphis has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.