Engineers, All Other vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Engineers, All Other professionals earn $56,740 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 93.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Engineers, All Other earns $183,510 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Engineers, All Other$62,840 – $183,510
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$183,510
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Engineers, All Other | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,840 | $39,710 | +$23,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,750 | $48,190 | +$37,560 |
| Median (50th) | $117,750 | $61,010 | +$56,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,670 | $78,280 | +$74,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $183,510 | $98,990 | +$84,520 |
| Mean (Average) | $121,720 | $66,510 | +$55,210 |
Employment Numbers
Engineers, All Other
150,750
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Engineers, All Other
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $162,610 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $157,770 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $156,140 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $132,840 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $131,250 |
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: Engineers, All Other or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Engineers, All Other professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $56,740 (93.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Engineers, All Other?
Engineers, All Other salaries range from $62,840 (10th percentile) to $183,510 (90th percentile), with a median of $117,750.
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 Engineers, All Other and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 150,750 Engineers, All Other 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 Engineers, All Other?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Engineers, All Other has a median salary of $117,750 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS