Management Analysts vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Management Analysts professionals earn $40,180 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 65.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Management Analysts earns $174,140 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Management Analysts$59,720 – $174,140
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$174,140
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Management Analysts | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,720 | $39,710 | +$20,010 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,770 | $48,190 | +$28,580 |
| Median (50th) | $101,190 | $61,010 | +$40,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,140 | $78,280 | +$54,860 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,140 | $98,990 | +$75,150 |
| Mean (Average) | $114,710 | $66,510 | +$48,200 |
Employment Numbers
Management Analysts
893,900
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Management Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $141,150 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $134,580 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $129,900 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $128,120 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $125,820 |
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: Management Analysts or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Management Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $40,180 (65.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Management Analysts?
Management Analysts salaries range from $59,720 (10th percentile) to $174,140 (90th percentile), with a median of $101,190.
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 Management Analysts and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 893,900 Management Analysts 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 Management Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Management Analysts has a median salary of $101,190 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