Paralegal Salary in Burbank, CA: $71,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Burbank, CA earns a median $71,154/year (≈ $34.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Burbank's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $62,912 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, paralegals earn a median annual salary of $71,154, surpassing the national median of $65,097 by approximately 9.30%. The projected salary range for paralegals in this area extends from $47,881 at the 10th percentile to $110,289 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse spectrum of opportunities within the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for regional cost factors. For many paralegals considering their career trajectory, the choice between in-house corporate positions and law firms plays a significant role, as corporate roles generally offer a better work-life balance, while law firms provide the potential for higher pay, particularly in larger firms where the demand for top-tier talent is critical.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,881 | $23.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,760 | $26.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,154 | $34.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,066 | $43.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,289 | $53.03 |
Median Salary Position
9.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,408 (2026 est.). At $71,154, the local median is 9.3% above the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burbank: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burbank Paralegal Pay Compares
Burbank median: $71,154/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burbank Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $72,018 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | +9.30% more |
Paralegals in Burbank, CA earn a median of $71,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.30% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 1.20% below the California state average of $72,018.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burbank has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burbank, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,154 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,912 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,554
2025 BLS Actual
$68,741
2026 Current Est.
$71,154
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,554 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,461 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,708 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,642 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,651 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burbank metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.5% from $56,554 (2019) to $68,741 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,651 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,097 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,881 – $54,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,760 – $71,154 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,154 – $91,066 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,066 – $110,289 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Burbank
In Burbank, the job market for paralegals is relatively strong, with 22 professionals currently employed in the area, reflecting a niche but active workforce. The cost of living index in Burbank is 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the local purchasing power can be affected. Among employers, larger law firms or corporations often offer the best compensation packages, while public defender and district attorney offices may provide a more stable work environment, albeit at lower salary levels. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to the type of firm, the specialty involved—such as e-discovery which commands higher pay—or the qualifications held, including certifications from NALA or NFPA. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Burbank, pursuing additional certifications or specializing in high-demand areas can provide a competitive edge.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,741 for paralegalsin the Burbank metropolitan area. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov