Chico vs Sacramento: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Chico, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,326 | $81,307▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.00 | $39.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,248 | $53,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,395 | $63,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,902 | $101,347▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,431 | $117,266▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 2,590▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Sacramento is $20,981 (34.78%). Sacramento's median is +24.90% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $35,183,Sacramento spans $63,462. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($76,223 effective) pays 27.86% more than Chico ($59,612 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,266)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,223)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Chico grew 39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Chico, CA
$41,910 (2019) → $58,280 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$58,570 (2019) → $78,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Chico or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Chico to Sacramento as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov