Computer Programmers vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $37,660 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 61.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $39,710 | +$12,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $48,190 | +$23,670 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $61,010 | +$37,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $78,280 | +$50,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $98,990 | +$63,100 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $66,510 | +$37,130 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $37,660 (61.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Computer Programmers and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS