LocalSalaryHub Salary Report
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Santa Cruz, CA · Generated June 4, 2026
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Santa Cruz, CA $64,690/yr
$64,690
Mean: $71,410
~$50,458 est. take-home
$31.10
Based on 2,080 hrs/yr
100
100 = national avg
Salary Distribution
Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
25th %
$60,730
Median
$64,690
75th %
$81,880
Median is in the 19th percentile of the typical range
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in other CA cities
Compare the same occupation across cities in CA.
About Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $64,690 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $71,410, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
Most paralegals and legal assistants in this area earn between $60,730 and $81,880. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.
That works out to roughly $31.10 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.
Career Outlook
This occupation is tracking close to the national average for job growth. Openings come from a mix of new positions and people retiring or changing careers, with regional variation depending on local industry mix.
Worth knowing: Staying current with industry certifications and picking up adjacent skills (data literacy, project management, or automation tools) is the most reliable way to earn above median in this field.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA
Median: $64,690/yr — browse openings that fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegals and legal assistants in Santa Cruz?▾
The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $64,690. The average (mean) is $71,410, which is higher because top earners pull it up.
How much does a paralegals and legal assistants make per hour in Santa Cruz?▾
About $31.10/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.
What is the salary range for paralegals and legal assistants in Santa Cruz?▾
The middle 50% earn between $60,730 and $81,880. Below $60,730 is typically entry-level; above $81,880 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.
Salary Conversion Table
How does $64,690 per year break down across different time periods?
| Period | Gross | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly | $64,690 | $50,458 |
| Monthly | $5,391 | $4,205 |
| Biweekly | $2,488 | $1,941 |
| Weekly | $1,244 | $970 |
| Hourly (40h/wk) | $31.1 | $24.26 |
| Hourly (35h/wk) | $35.54 | $27.72 |
| Hourly (30h/wk) | $41.47 | $32.34 |
| Daily (8h) | $249 | $194 |
Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.
Top 10 cities nationwide for paralegals and legal assistants, based on BLS median salary data.
Related Occupations in Santa Cruz
Similar roles in the same field, ranked by national average salary.
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