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

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist

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

146 employees hold this title in Department of Commerce. Median total compensation for the role is $108,078, below the department median of $127,707.

Employees: 146
Total payroll: $16M
Role median: $108,078
Agency median: $127,707
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$58,068$146,126+

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

How total compensation varies among the 146 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 Commerce pays a median base salary of $107,590 for this role, 71% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Commerce sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Department of Commerce median · $107,590

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 Commerce’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Commerce is $108,078, 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 54 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Commerce, the median of $108,078 ranks #21 of 54.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$176,909 · 1

Securities and Exchange Commission

$145,791 · 84

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$143,249 · 12

Federal Reserve System

$141,092 · 20

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$130,932 · 29

Federal Communications Commission

$128,956 · 5

Department of Treasury

$125,827 · 5

Social Security Administration

$120,246 · 702

Fed Retirement Thrift Investment Board

$119,037 · 1

Export-Import Bank of the United States

$119,037 · 1

U.S. Agency for International Development

$117,962 · 3

Department of Health and Human Services

$115,981 · 65

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 $96,330 ranks #3 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 Specialistroles 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.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Theresa Harris

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$106,286

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $104,832
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,454
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,286
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,832
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Theresa Harris works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. Theresa earned $106,286 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Tanya Baylor

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,579

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $104,832
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $747
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,579
Pay grade: 11
Work city: White Plains
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,832
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241678017
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tanya Baylor holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in White Plains, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $105,579. Their pay grade is 11.

Eunice Ferebee

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,579

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $104,832
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $747
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,579
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Brandywine
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,832
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240175033
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Eunice Ferebee serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Brandywine, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $105,579. They are classified at grade 11.

George Woods

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,559

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $104,832
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $727
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,559
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Bowie
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,832
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240170033
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

George Woods works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Bowie, Maryland. George earned $105,559 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Steven Amitrani

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,386

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,923
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,386
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Coppell
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,463
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 481539113
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Steven Amitrani works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Coppell, Texas. Steven earned $105,386 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Glenda Washington

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,981

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,908
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,981
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Glenda Washington holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $104,981. Their pay grade is 11.

Tara Laux

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,981

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,908
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,981
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Annandale
Work county: Fairfax
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510076059
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tara Laux is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Annandale, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $104,981. They are classified at grade 11.

Cathy Underwood

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,981

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,908
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,981
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Capitol Heights
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240240033
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Cathy Underwood serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,981. They are classified at grade 11.

Lawrence Void

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,981

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,908
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,981
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Upper Marlboro
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241620033
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lawrence Void is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $104,981. They are classified at grade 11.

Daveina Williams

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,981

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,908
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,981
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Daveina Williams serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,981. They are classified at grade 11.

Angela Walker

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,973

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $99,315
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,658
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,973
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Capitol Heights
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,315
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,527
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240240033
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Angela Walker serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,973. They are classified at grade 11.

Terri Johnson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,496

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,423
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,496
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Waldorf
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241639017
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Terri Johnson works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Waldorf, Maryland. Terri earned $104,496 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Michelle Eck

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,352

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $104,352
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,352
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,352
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Michelle Eck serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,352. They are classified at grade 12.

April Wise

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$103,042

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $969
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,042
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Williamsport
Work county: Washington
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241690043
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, April Wise serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Williamsport, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $103,042. They are classified at grade 11.

Monica Graves

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$102,800

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $727
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,800
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Upper Marlboro
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241620033
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Monica Graves is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $102,800. They are classified at grade 11.

Esther Goldschlager

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$102,506

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $102,506
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,506
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Bethesda
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,506
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,922
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240130031
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Esther Goldschlager works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Bethesda, Maryland. Esther earned $102,506 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.