Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $56,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,080, suggesting that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to the region influence compensation levels for these vital legal support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,170 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, the Memphis area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering steady opportunities for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-14.5%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,087
$4,709
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Memphis region isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants nationwide have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing legal complexity and demand for support services. This trend is likely mirrored to some extent in Memphis, with nominal salary increases reflecting inflation and evolving market needs.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Career progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a substantial earning potential gap that signifies clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $38,340 | $18.4 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $42,383 | $20.4 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $70,638 | $34 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $78,170 | $37.6 |
Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,510 in Memphis, TN-MS-AR aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Paralegal's salary in Memphis is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary figure a realistic representation of living expenses within the region.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
1.885
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.79x the national average concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.79 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis suggests that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies a moderate level of competition, where the demand for these professionals is present but not saturated, offering a potentially favorable environment for job seekers who possess the requisite skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $55,140↓ 2% | 64 mi |
| Jackson, TN Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $54,020↓ 4% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $56,510. This typically ranges from $38,340 for entry-level positions to $78,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 14.5% lower than the national median of $66,080.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,510 is below the national average of $66,080, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($55,140) and Jackson, TN.
How does the Memphis Paralegal salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $56,510, which is lower than the national average of $66,080.
What is the Cost of Living in Memphis, TN-MS-AR for legal professionals?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning living expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Paralegal job market in Memphis?
The job market for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis has a Location Quotient of 0.79, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Memphis?
There are approximately 1,170 Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 1.885 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paralegals and Legal Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR