SalaryNode

Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Paralegals and Legal Assistants in the St. Louis, MO-IL area earn an average annual salary of $59,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,080, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for legal professionals in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,760.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,540 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, St. Louis demonstrates a solid presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand within the metropolitan area's legal sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,760

The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-9.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.7

Weekly

$1,149

Monthly

$4,980

Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

Salary progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in St. Louis is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior paralegals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect compensation well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$39,630$19.1
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$44,820$21.5
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$58,820$28.3
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$74,700$35.9
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$82,760$39.8

Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $59,760 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a paralegal's salary in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals.

Job Market Context

3,540

Total Jobs

2.64

Per 1K Jobs

1.11

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.11, St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.11 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in St. Louis signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Springfield, IL Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$60,670↑ 2%84 mi
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$49,660↓ 17%97 mi

Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL

Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $59,760. This typically ranges from $39,630 for entry-level positions to $82,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 9.6% lower than the national median of $66,080.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $59,760 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the compensation relatively stable. The job market shows a healthy concentration, indicating consistent demand.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($60,670) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.

How does St. Louis compare to the national average salary for Paralegals?

The average salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in St. Louis, MO-IL is $59,760, which is lower than the national average of $66,080.

What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO-IL for legal professionals?

The cost of living in St. Louis, MO-IL is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.

Is there a high demand for Paralegals in St. Louis?

With a Location Quotient of 1.11, St. Louis has a slightly higher concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants than the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these roles.

How many Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in St. Louis?

There are approximately 3,540 Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,540 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 2.64 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Paralegals and Legal Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL