LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Paralegal Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$165,417/yr
Typical range: $127,414 – $162,494
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Paralegal salary by experience level in Boston
Paralegal Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,436 | $4,703 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $75,897 | $6,325 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $90,168 | $7,514 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $110,927 | $9,244 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $165,417 | $13,785 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $227,691 | $18,974 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $243,260 | $20,272 | +331% |
Current Salary
$165,417
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$227,691
Principal · 14
+$62Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Paralegal salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Paralegals in Boston, MA earn approximately $165K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Paralegal make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $165K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Paralegal in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Paralegal in Boston, MA earns $127K–$162K/yr.