Paralegal Salary in Burke, VA: $59,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time paralegal in Burke, VA earns a median $59,940/year (≈ $28.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Once you factor in Burke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $58,081 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average paralegal salary in Burke, VA is projected to be $59,940, a figure that falls below the national median of $65,097. Compensation for paralegals in the area ranges significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $43,497 and the top 10% making up to $92,906. These figures, which are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data with considerations for regional cost adjustments, reflect the prevailing divide between employment in large law firms and smaller, mid-market establishments. While positions in BigLaw may offer higher salaries, typically associated with demanding hours, many find that smaller firms or corporate in-house roles provide a more balanced work life with stable salaries that still attract highly knowledgeable professionals.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,497 | $20.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,917 | $23.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,940 | $28.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,405 | $36.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,906 | $44.66 |
Median Salary Position
7.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
In Burke, VA, the paralegal salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,409 (2026 est.). At $59,940, the local median is 7.92% below the national median of $65,097.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burke Paralegal Pay Compares
Burke median: $59,940/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,668 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,097 | -7.92% less |
Paralegals in Burke, VA earn a median of $59,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.20% below the Virginia state average of $60,668.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,940 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,081 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,640
2025 BLS Actual
$57,907
2026 Current Est.
$59,940
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,509 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burke metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 21.6% from $47,640 (2019) to $57,907 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,403 (30.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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) | $43,497 – $47,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,917 – $59,940 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,940 – $75,405 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,405 – $92,906 |
Paralegal salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual paralegal compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Paralegal Job Market in Burke
The local job market for paralegals in Burke supports around 10 professionals in the field, slightly moderated by the cost-of-living index at 103.2, indicating that while earnings may be less than national averages, the purchasing power remains reasonable. Law firms, particularly those in the BigLaw tier, generally pay the highest salaries, but there are opportunities for lucrative compensation in corporate legal departments and government offices as well. Variations in pay can often be attributed to specialization, such as expertise in e-discovery, which significantly boosts earning potential, as well as certifications from organizations like NALA or NFPA. For paralegals looking to maximize their salary, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining proficiency in in-demand specialties, or pursuing bilingual capabilities can substantially enhance both job prospects and remuneration in Burke, VA.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
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 $57,907 for paralegalsin the Burke 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 Burke 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