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Paralegal Salary in Philadelphia, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Paralegal Salary in Philadelphia β€” Key Numbers

$59,792
Median Salary
$44,713
25th Percentile
$78,517
75th Percentile
$101,333
90th Percentile
National median (Paralegal)$59,200
vs. National median+1.0%
Philadelphia median household income$54,800
vs. City household income+9.1%

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Cost of Living Index
101(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.1%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$265,000
Home Price / Salary4.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$53,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.4 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 Philadelphia

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
6,250,000
Metro Population
30 min
Avg Commute
34.8
Median Age

Philadelphia has a metro population of 6,250,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Paralegal make in Philadelphia, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Paralegal in Philadelphia is $59,792 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,200 adjusted by Philadelphia's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $44,713 (25th percentile) to $78,517 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $101,333.

Is Philadelphia affordable for a Paralegal?

On a $59,792 annual salary, a Paralegal in Philadelphia would spend approximately 27.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Philadelphia relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $265,000 is 4.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Philadelphia's median household income is $54,800. A Paralegal earning the city-adjusted median of $59,792 earns 9.1% more than the typical Philadelphia 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.