LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Paralegal Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$116,967/yr
Typical range: $90,095 – $114,900
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Paralegal salary by experience level in Dallas
Paralegal Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $39,906 | $3,326 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $53,667 | $4,472 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $63,758 | $5,313 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $78,437 | $6,536 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $116,967 | $9,747 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $161,001 | $13,417 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $172,010 | $14,334 | +331% |
Current Salary
$116,967
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$161,001
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Paralegal salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Paralegals in Dallas, TX earn approximately $117K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $117K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Paralegal in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Paralegal in Dallas, TX earns $90K–$115K/yr.