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 4

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.

Jamice Brantley

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$93,154

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,281
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,873
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,154
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Upper Marlboro
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,281
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241620033
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamice Brantley holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $93,154. Their pay grade is 11.

Kimberly White

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$92,726

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $92,726
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Capitol Heights
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: 240240033
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kimberly White holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Capitol Heights, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $92,726. Their pay grade is 09.

Rosalind Boakye

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$92,038

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $89,481
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,557
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $92,038
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Darlington
Work county: Darlington
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $89,481
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450600031
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rosalind Boakye holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Darlington, South Carolina. In 2024, their total compensation was $92,038. Their pay grade is 11.

Schene Gray

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$91,935

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,281
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,654
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,935
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Temple Hills
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,281
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241558033
Length of Service (Years): 34
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Schene Gray works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Temple Hills, Maryland. Schene earned $91,935 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Joy Dobbs

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$91,471

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $91,039
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $432
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $91,471
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Brandywine
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: 240175033
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joy Dobbs is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Brandywine, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $91,471. They are classified at grade 11.

Kelly Young

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$89,905

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $88,281
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,624
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,905
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Fort Washington
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,281
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240565033
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kelly Young works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Fort Washington, Maryland. Kelly earned $89,905 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Pamela Young

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$89,173

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $84,366
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,807
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,173
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Fredericksburg
Work county: Fredericksburg
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,366
Basic Pay (before locality): $63,309
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511020630
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Pamela Young works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Pamela earned $89,173 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Patricia Mckay

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$88,093

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $86,646
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,447
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,093
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Locust Grove
Work county: Orange
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $86,646
Basic Pay (before locality): $65,020
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511461137
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Patricia Mckay is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Locust Grove, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $88,093. They are classified at grade 09.

Stacy Crittenden

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$87,063

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $84,644
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,419
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,063
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Dothan
Work county: Houston
Work state: Alabama

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,644
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 010930069
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Stacy Crittenden holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Dothan, Alabama. In 2024, their total compensation was $87,063. Their pay grade is 11.

Michael Hines

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$86,740

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $85,522
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,218
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $86,740
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $85,522
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michael Hines works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Alexandria, Virginia. Michael earned $86,740 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Trina Steptoe

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$86,632

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $82,085
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,547
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $86,632
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Bryans Road
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,085
Basic Pay (before locality): $61,598
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240212017
Length of Service (Years): 36
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Trina Steptoe works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Bryans Road, Maryland. Trina earned $86,632 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Lawana Hixon

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$84,520

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $80,071
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,449
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,520
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Kyle
Work county: Hays
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,071
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483760209
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Lawana Hixon serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Kyle, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $84,520. They are classified at grade 09.

Villanueva Alicea

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$84,506

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,280
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,506
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Rincon
Work state: No Data Reported

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: RQ0800000
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Villanueva Alicea holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Rincon, No Data Reported. In 2024, their total compensation was $84,506. Their pay grade is 11.

Terri Elms

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$84,501

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $83,353
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,148
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,501
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Highlands Ranch
Work county: Douglas
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,353
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 081158035
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Terri Elms serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Their 2024 pay totaled $84,501. They are classified at grade 11.

Rachel Rizzo

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$83,243

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $79,026
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,217
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,243
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Los Angeles
Work county: Los Angeles
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,026
Basic Pay (before locality): $58,176
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 061980037
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rachel Rizzo works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Los Angeles, California. Rachel earned $83,243 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Eileen Bright

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$79,515

Sub-department: National Institute of Standards and Technician
Base pay: $79,515
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,515
Pay grade: 02
Work city: West Lafayette
Work county: Tippecanoe
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,515
Basic Pay (before locality): $79,515
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 185200157
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): ZA

At Department of Commerce, Eileen Bright serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Their 2024 pay totaled $79,515. They are classified at grade 02.

Selena Hamilton

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$75,736

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $72,965
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,771
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,736
Pay grade: 09
Work city: White Plains
Work county: Charles
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $72,965
Basic Pay (before locality): $54,754
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241678017
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Selena Hamilton serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in White Plains, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $75,736. They are classified at grade 09.

Ann Ziegler

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$73,393

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $72,703
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $690
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,393
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Laurel
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $72,703
Basic Pay (before locality): $54,557
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240900033
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ann Ziegler holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Commerce based in Laurel, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $73,393. Their pay grade is 07.

Kathy Wroten

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$70,853

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $68,892
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,961
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,853
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Lakewood
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $68,892
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,043
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 081435059
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kathy Wroten works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Commerce based in Lakewood, Colorado. Kathy earned $70,853 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Katherine Keechle

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$68,405

Sub-department: Nat Telecommunications and Information Administrative
Base pay: $68,405
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $68,405
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $68,405
Basic Pay (before locality): $51,332
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Katherine Keechle serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $68,405. They are classified at grade 09.

Lara Willsey

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$58,068

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $57,788
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $280
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $58,068
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Kensington
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $57,788
Basic Pay (before locality): $43,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240860031
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Lara Willsey serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Kensington, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $58,068. They are classified at grade 07.