Paralegal Salary in Australia
Legal • All 12 Major Cities
Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and managing cases.
Job Market Outlook
Knowledge work with significant AI applicability
Job supply roughly matches candidate availability
Stable employment outlook over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Paralegal Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $77,000 | $61,572 |
| 2CanberraACT | $75,600 | $60,620 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $73,500 | $59,192 |
| 4DarwinNT | $73,500 | $59,192 |
| 5PerthWA | $71,400 | $57,764 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $66,500 | $54,432 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $64,400 | $53,004 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $63,000 | $52,052 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $61,600 | $51,100 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $61,600 | $51,100 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $60,900 | $50,624 |
| 12HobartTAS | $59,500 | $49,672 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegal earn in Australia?
The average Paralegal salary in Australia is $67,375 per year, or approximately $34 per hour. Salaries typically range from $42,500 for entry-level positions to $104,500 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Paralegal?
A Paralegal earning the average salary of $67,375 takes home approximately $55,027 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $4,586 per month.
Where do Paralegals earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Paralegal salaries at $77,000 on average, followed by Canberra at $75,600.
Is Paralegal a good career in Australia?
Paralegal is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $67,375 is around the national median.
How much do Paralegals make per hour?
Paralegals earn approximately $34 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $22 for entry-level positions to $53 for experienced professionals.
About Paralegal Salaries in Australia
The average Paralegal salary in Australia is $67,375 per year, or approximately $34 per hour. Salaries range from $42,500 for entry-level positions to $104,500 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Paralegal salary at $77,000, while Hobart has the lowest at $59,500.
After tax, a Paralegal earning the average salary takes home $55,027 per year, or $4,586 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Paralegal Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $42,500, while senior roles can reach $104,500.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Paralegal roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.