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Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Tennessee

Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $57,360, which is notably below the national average of $66,080. This discrepancy is often influenced by a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape and the overall demand for legal support services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,510.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,890 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Tennessee presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market compared to national averages, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.75. The presence of nearly 1.8 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for these crucial legal professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,360

The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee earns-13.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.6

Weekly

$1,103

Monthly

$4,780

Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Salary progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$37,810$18.2
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$43,020$20.7
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$55,270$26.6
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$71,700$34.5
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$76,510$36.8

Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,451

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The nominal average salary of $57,360 in Tennessee is significantly bolstered by the state's lower Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This means that despite earning less than the national average in absolute terms, the purchasing power of a Paralegal's salary in Tennessee is likely higher, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Job Market Context

5,890

Total Jobs

1.797

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tennessee has 0.75x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Tennessee has a slightly lower concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be as saturated as in some other states, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$60,690↑ 6%29 mi
Clarksville, TN-KY Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$53,930↓ 6%67 mi
Huntsville, AL Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$47,050↓ 18%73 mi
Decatur, AL Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$46,530↓ 19%83 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary$44,640↓ 22%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee is $57,360. This typically ranges from $37,810 for entry-level positions to $76,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 13.2% lower than the national median of $66,080.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living index means your earnings can go further. This makes it a financially viable location for paralegals.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($60,690) and Clarksville, TN-KY.

How does Tennessee's paralegal salary compare to the national average?

Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Tennessee earn an average of $57,360 annually, which is less than the national average of $66,080.

What is the concentration of paralegals in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 0.75 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How many paralegals are employed in Tennessee?

There are approximately 5,890 Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in Tennessee.

Does experience impact paralegal salaries in Tennessee?

Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior paralegals with specialized skills typically earn more than entry-level professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,890 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 1.797 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 Tennessee