U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Agriculture / Paralegal Specialist

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist

Provide legal advice, draft and review documents, and represent the agency in legal matters.

22 employees hold this title in Department of Agriculture. Median total compensation for the role is $93,270, above the department median of $82,148.

Employees: 22
Total payroll: $2.1M
Role median: $93,270
Agency median: $82,148
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$60,151$141,098+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 22 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Paralegal Specialist pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants — about 392,880 people — is $62,890. Department of Agriculture pays a median base salary of $92,128 for this role, 46% above that figure — about the 83rd percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Agriculture sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Department of Agriculture median · $92,128

The bar is the range of annual wages for Paralegals and Legal Assistants across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Agriculture’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Agriculture is $93,270, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Paralegal Specialist is held in 57 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Agriculture, the median of $93,270 ranks #46 of 57.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$178,408 · 1

Securities and Exchange Commission

$159,982 · 87

Federal Reserve System

$154,796 · 37

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$150,304 · 12

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$137,544 · 27

Department of Treasury

$133,235 · 6

Federal Communications Commission

$126,314 · 4

Department of Health and Human Services

$125,845 · 70

Social Security Administration

$125,321 · 746

Export-Import Bank of the United States

$123,999 · 2

United States Agency for International Development

$123,028 · 2

Fed Retirement Thrift Investment Board

$122,899 · 1

Median total compensation for the Paralegal Specialist role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Paralegal Specialist beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 4 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $101,918 ranks #2 of 4. See Paralegal Specialist across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

Connecticut

$148,330 · 8

District of Columbia

$98,412 · 99

Florida

$44,437 · 405

Median total compensation for comparable Paralegal Specialist roles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of Agriculture

Accounting 791
Administrative Officer 342
Agricultural Commodity Aid 1,325
Agricultural Commodity Grading 1,947
Agricultural Engineering 353
Agricultural Marketing 562
Agricultural Program Specialist 432
Animal Health Technician 431
Archeology 712
Biological Science Student Trainee 412
Biological Science Technician 5,482
Budget Analysis 811
Chemistry 346
Civil Engineering 1,383
Consumer Safety 385
Consumer Safety Inspection 6,146
Contracting 879
Ecology 436
Economist 488
Engineering Equipment Operating 632
Engineering Technical 914
Entomology 428
Financial Administration and Program 778
Fish Biology 305
Food Inspection 1,071
Forestry 1,607
Forestry Technician 18,655
General Arts and Information 394
General Business and Industry 2,789
General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences 7,103
General Physical Science 289
Genetics 348
Grants Management 672
Human Resources Assistance 433
Human Resources Management 1,594
Hydrology 383
Information Technology Management 3,086
Laboring 489
Loan Specialist 3,620
Maintenance Mechanic 389
Management and Program Analysis 3,137
Management and Program Clerical and Assistance 527
Microbiology 491
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 7,794
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 1,981
Plant Protection Technician 1,109
Program Management 1,378
Public Affairs 802
Rangeland Management 620
Realty 641
Social Science 476
Soil Conservation 5,359
Soil Conservation Technician 888
Soil Science 828
Statistics 578
Support Services Administration 444
Transportation Specialist 299
Veterinary Medical Science 1,661
Wildland Fire Management 6,410
Wildlife Biology 1,317

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Brenda Seegars

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$156,263

Sub-department: National Appeals Division
Base pay: $154,263
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $156,263
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: V

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $154,263
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AGNA
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,173
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 36
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of Agriculture, Brenda Seegars serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2026 pay totaled $156,263. They are classified at grade 11.

Cathleen Thompson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2025 total comp

$120,157

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $120,157
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,157
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work state: California
Middle name: Jane

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $120,157
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $82,108
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Duty Station State: CA
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Cathleen Thompson works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Agriculture based in San Francisco, California. Cathleen earned $120,157 in 2025. Their pay grade is 11.

Carla Wagner

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$107,590

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $107,590
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,590
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,590
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 49
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Carla Wagner holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,590. Their pay grade is 11.

Connie Adams Johnson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$106,541

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $106,541
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,541
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Juneau
Work state: Alaska
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,541
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Duty Station Code: 021130110
Duty Station State: AK
Length of Service (Years): 43
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Connie Adams Johnson is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Juneau, Alaska. 2024 total compensation came to $106,541. They are classified at grade 11.

Marie Roman

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$104,369

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $102,669
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,700
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,369
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Atlanta
Work state: Georgia
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,669
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $82,938
Duty Station Code: 130280121
Duty Station State: GA
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Marie Roman is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Atlanta, Georgia. 2026 total compensation came to $104,369. They are classified at grade 11.

Jillian Nemec

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$103,540

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $102,540
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,540
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,540
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,557
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Jillian Nemec works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Agriculture based in Washington, District of Columbia. Jillian earned $103,540 in 2026. Their pay grade is 11.

Od Duhu

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$102,698

Sub-department: National Appeals Division
Base pay: $102,698
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,698
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Golden
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,698
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AGNA
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,684
Duty Station Code: 081000059
Duty Station State: CO
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Od Duhu holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Golden, Colorado. In 2026, their total compensation was $102,698. Their pay grade is 11.

Evelyn Chew

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$100,315

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $100,315
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,315
Pay grade: 09
Work city: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,315
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,549
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Duty Station State: CA
Length of Service (Years): 52
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Evelyn Chew works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Agriculture based in San Francisco, California. Evelyn earned $100,315 in 2026. Their pay grade is 09.

Timisha Walker

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$100,193

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $96,843
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,350
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,193
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: D Fitzgerald

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,843
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,303
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Timisha Walker works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Agriculture based in Washington, District of Columbia. Timisha earned $100,193 in 2026. Their pay grade is 11.

Renee Tyler

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$96,559

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $94,559
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,559
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Atlanta
Work state: Georgia
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,559
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Duty Station Code: 130280121
Duty Station State: GA
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Renee Tyler holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2024, their total compensation was $96,559. Their pay grade is 11.

Kimberly Gifford

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$93,480

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $91,080
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,480
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Kansas City
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,080
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,557
Duty Station Code: 294120095
Duty Station State: MO
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of Agriculture, Kimberly Gifford serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Kansas City, Missouri. Their 2026 pay totaled $93,480. They are classified at grade 11.

Veronica Jackson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2025 total comp

$93,059

Sub-department: National Appeals Division
Base pay: $93,059
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,059
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,059
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AGNA
Basic Pay (before locality): $69,478
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Veronica Jackson holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2025, their total compensation was $93,059. Their pay grade is 11.

Brittany Clegg

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$91,196

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $91,196
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,196
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Vancouver
Work state: Washington
Middle name: Noel

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,196
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,303
Duty Station Code: 532370011
Duty Station State: WA
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of Agriculture, Brittany Clegg serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Vancouver, Washington. Their 2026 pay totaled $91,196. They are classified at grade 11.

Veronica Gibson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$88,513

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $88,513
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,513
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Portland
Work state: Oregon
Middle name: Margaret

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,513
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,176
Duty Station Code: 411650067
Duty Station State: OR
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Veronica Gibson is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Portland, Oregon. 2026 total compensation came to $88,513. They are classified at grade 11.

Vantanett King

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$88,203

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $85,909
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,294
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,203
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Milwaukee
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $85,909
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,176
Duty Station Code: 553100079
Duty Station State: WI
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Vantanett King holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2026, their total compensation was $88,203. Their pay grade is 11.

Tammy Balliett

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$86,638

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $84,638
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $86,638
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Harrisburg
Work state: South Dakota
Middle name: Gay

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,638
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,303
Duty Station Code: 461200083
Duty Station State: SD
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Tammy Balliett is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Harrisburg, South Dakota. 2026 total compensation came to $86,638. They are classified at grade 11.

Adam Wymore

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2025 total comp

$84,978

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $84,978
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,978
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Portland
Work state: Oregon
Middle name: Scott

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,978
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $67,373
Duty Station Code: 411650067
Duty Station State: OR
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Adam Wymore is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Portland, Oregon. 2025 total compensation came to $84,978. They are classified at grade 11.

Stacy Braach

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2026 total comp

$83,658

Sub-department: Office of the General Counsel
Base pay: $79,658
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,658
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Missoula
Work state: Montana
Middle name: Leigh

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,658
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG14
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,049
Duty Station Code: 300830063
Duty Station State: MT
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Stacy Braach is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Missoula, Montana. 2026 total compensation came to $83,658. They are classified at grade 11.

Veronica Tischer

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$82,145

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $80,645
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,145
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Portland
Work state: Oregon
Middle name: Margaret

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,645
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Duty Station Code: 411650067
Duty Station State: OR
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Veronica Tischer is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Portland, Oregon. 2024 total compensation came to $82,145. They are classified at grade 11.

Jennifer Guerrieri

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$81,025

Sub-department: National Appeals Division
Base pay: $77,525
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $81,025
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $77,525
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AGNA
Basic Pay (before locality): $58,176
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Jennifer Guerrieri is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $81,025. They are classified at grade 09.

Lisa Thompson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: West Haven
Work state: Utah
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Duty Station Code: 492095057
Duty Station State: UT
Length of Service (Years): 40
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Lisa Thompson is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Agriculture based in West Haven, Utah. 2024 total compensation came to $79,808. They are classified at grade 11.

Brian Selby

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Agriculture

2024 total comp

$60,151

Sub-department: Forest Service
Base pay: $60,151
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $60,151
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Coeur D Alene
Work state: Idaho
Middle name: David

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $60,151
Agency Code (OPM): AG
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): AG11
Basic Pay (before locality): $51,332
Duty Station Code: 160300055
Duty Station State: ID
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of Agriculture, Brian Selby serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Coeur D Alene, Idaho. Their 2024 pay totaled $60,151. They are classified at grade 09.