Paralegal Salary in New York: Is It Worth It?
The median paralegal salary in New York is $75K a year. Here is what actually lands in your pocket after taxes - and what it's really worth once you account for the local cost of living.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount / year | Share of gross |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $75,330 | 100% |
| Federal income tax (2026, single) | −$7,743 | 10.3% |
| FICA (Social Security + Medicare) | −$5,763 | 7.7% |
| State income tax (New York) | −$3,538 | 4.7% |
| Take-home | $58,286 | 77.4% |
Estimates use single filing status, standard deduction, wages-only income. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Compare with other metros
Boston
Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
Detroit
Houston
Typical costs to know
New York taxes wage income, and New York's cost of living is 13% above the U.S. average. In dollar terms,$75K of gross salary converts to roughly $52K of buying power after tax.
FAQ
What is the average paralegal salary in New York?
The median annual wage is $75,330, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much do paralegals and legal assistants take home in New York?
After estimated federal income tax ($7,743), FICA ($5,763) and New York state tax ($3,538), net income is about $58,286 a year - roughly $5K per month.
Is $75K a good salary in New York?
Because the local cost of living is 13% above the U.S. average, that salary supports buying power roughly equivalent to $52K at the national average. See the methodology for the math.