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

Raisa Cortes-Jimenez

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$97,457

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $94,825
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,632
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,457
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Willis
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,825
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 487500339
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Raisa Cortes-Jimenez is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Willis, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $97,457. They are classified at grade 11.

Emanuel Mines

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$97,012

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $94,317
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,695
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,012
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Kissimmee
Work county: Osceola
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,317
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 121590097
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Emanuel Mines serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Kissimmee, Florida. Their 2024 pay totaled $97,012. They are classified at grade 11.

Brian Harden

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,470

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $93,798
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,672
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,470
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,798
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 32
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Brian Harden serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $96,470. They are classified at grade 11.

Idonesit Okon

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,470

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $93,798
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,672
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,470
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,798
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Idonesit Okon works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Alexandria, Virginia. Idonesit earned $96,470 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Thomas Green

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,470

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $93,798
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,672
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,470
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Prince Frederick
Work county: Calvert
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,798
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241285009
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Thomas Green is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Prince Frederick, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $96,470. They are classified at grade 11.

Dale Hall

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,226

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,187
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Waldorf
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,039
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241639017
Length of Service (Years): 32
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Dale Hall is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Waldorf, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $96,226. They are classified at grade 11.

Althea Wilburn-Spindle

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,043

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $93,379
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,664
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,043
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Chester
Work county: Chesterfield
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,379
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510470041
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Althea Wilburn-Spindle is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Chester, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $96,043. They are classified at grade 11.

Felicia Allen-Jenkins

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$95,794

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,755
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,794
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Upper Marlboro
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,039
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241620033
Length of Service (Years): 34
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Felicia Allen-Jenkins works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Felicia earned $95,794 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Yolanda Harrod

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$95,361

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,322
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,361
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Waldorf
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,039
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241639017
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Yolanda Harrod holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Waldorf, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $95,361. Their pay grade is 11.

Lawrence Banks

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$94,525

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,899
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,626
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,525
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Florence
Work county: Florence
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,899
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450870041
Length of Service (Years): 34
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lawrence Banks holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Florence, South Carolina. In 2024, their total compensation was $94,525. Their pay grade is 11.

Paula Britton

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$94,065

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,026
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,065
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Woodbridge
Work county: Prince William
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,039
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 512665153
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Paula Britton serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Woodbridge, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $94,065. They are classified at grade 11.

Tamie Jarrett

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$94,065

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,026
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,065
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Locust Grove
Work county: Orange
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $91,039
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511461137
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tamie Jarrett is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Locust Grove, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $94,065. They are classified at grade 11.

Jean Proctor

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$93,992

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,066
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,992
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Temple Hills
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,926
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241558033
Length of Service (Years): 38
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jean Proctor holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Temple Hills, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $93,992. Their pay grade is 09.

Felicia Roberts

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$93,992

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,066
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,992
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Woodbridge
Work county: Prince William
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,926
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 512665153
Length of Service (Years): 36
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Felicia Roberts holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Woodbridge, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $93,992. Their pay grade is 09.