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

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist at Department of State, U.S. Federal Government

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

25 employees hold this title in Department of State. Median total compensation for the role is $121,684, below the department median of $138,024.

Employees: 25
Total payroll: $3M
Role median: $121,684
Agency median: $138,024
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$89,460$148,254+

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

How total compensation varies among the 25 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 State pays a median base salary of $121,684 for this role, 93% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of State sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Department of State median · $121,684

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

Median total compensation for this role at Department of State is $121,684, 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 State, the median of $121,684 ranks #14 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 State

Accounting 125
Administration and Office Support Student Trainee 279
Administrative Officer 270
Architecture 62
Audiovisual Production 30
Auditing 83
Budget Analysis 369
Building Management 54
Civil Engineering 19
Contracting 332
Data Science Series 36
Distribution Facilities & Storage Management 20
Economist 18
Electrical Engineering 22
Emergency Management Specialist 48
Engineering Technical 22
Equal Employment Opportunity 23
Financial Administration and Program 262
Fire Protection and Prevention 22
Foreign Affairs 3,382
General Arts and Information 22
General Attorney 367
General Business and Industry 81
General Education and Training 152
General Engineering 111
General Physical Science 23
Government Information Specialist 93
Grants Management 101
History 48
Human Resources Management 590
Industrial Hygiene 26
Information Technology Management 1,149
Instructional Systems 30
Interior Design 33
Language Specialist 46
Legal Occupations Student Trainee 22
Logistics Management 69
Management and Program Analysis 1,889
Mechanical Engineering 28
Medical Officer 18
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 1,417
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 54
Nurse 53
Passport and Visa Examining 2,412
Program Management 166
Public Affairs 297
Public Health Program Specialist 58
Realty 34
Records and Information Management 45
Secretary 94
Security Administration 409
Social Science 21
Social Science Student Trainee 66
Supply Program Management 17
Support Services Administration 165
Telecommunications 38
Traffic Management 65
Training Instruction 284
Writing and Editing 55

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

John Calopietro

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$150,203

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $150,203
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,203
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,203
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,142
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

John Calopietro holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2026, their total compensation was $150,203. Their pay grade is 13.

Abby Lounsberry

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$146,143

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $146,143
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,143
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Lea Edna

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $146,143
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,111
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Abby Lounsberry serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $146,143. They are classified at grade 13.

Kenneth Mansfield

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$142,084

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $142,084
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,084
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,084
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,080
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Kenneth Mansfield works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Kenneth earned $142,084 in 2026. Their pay grade is 13.

Mariama Yilla

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$133,142

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $133,142
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,142
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: N

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,142
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $99,404
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Mariama Yilla holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2026, their total compensation was $133,142. Their pay grade is 12.

Katherine Murphy

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$131,826

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $131,826
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $131,826
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $131,826
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $98,422
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Katherine Murphy works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Katherine earned $131,826 in 2025. Their pay grade is 12.

Michael Howard

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$129,904

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $129,904
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $129,904
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Jamal

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $129,904
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $96,987
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Michael Howard holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2026, their total compensation was $129,904. Their pay grade is 13.

Michael Mcpherson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$129,728

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $129,728
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $129,728
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $129,728
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $96,855
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Michael Mcpherson is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $129,728. They are classified at grade 12.

Patricia Smeltzer

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$128,956

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $128,956
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $128,956
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $128,956
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $96,770
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Patricia Smeltzer is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $128,956. They are classified at grade 12.

Anjail Aluqdah

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$126,313

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $126,313
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $126,313
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $126,313
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,306
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Anjail Aluqdah serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $126,313. They are classified at grade 12.

Amy Stoller

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$125,827

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $125,827
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,827
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,827
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Amy Stoller works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Amy earned $125,827 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Anjail Al-Uqdah

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$125,065

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $125,065
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,065
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,065
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $93,374
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Anjail Al-Uqdah is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2025 total compensation came to $125,065. They are classified at grade 12.

Sebryna Coffey

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$122,899

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $122,899
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $122,899
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $122,899
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,757
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Sebryna Coffey serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $122,899. They are classified at grade 12.

Krista Stormberg

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$121,684

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $121,684
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $121,684
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $121,684
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $90,850
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Krista Stormberg serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2025 pay totaled $121,684. They are classified at grade 12.

Phyllis Black

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$121,684

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $121,684
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $121,684
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $121,684
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $90,850
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Phyllis Black is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2025 total compensation came to $121,684. They are classified at grade 12.

Gerard Riddick

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$119,485

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $119,485
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,485
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,485
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,208
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Gerard Riddick works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Gerard earned $119,485 in 2026. Their pay grade is 12.

Anca Muir

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$116,071

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $116,071
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,071
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $116,071
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,659
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Anca Muir serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $116,071. They are classified at grade 12.

John Anzilotti

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$112,907

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $112,657
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $250
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,907
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $112,657
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,110
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

John Anzilotti is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $112,907. They are classified at grade 12.

Camille Vestres

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$112,657

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $112,657
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,657
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Nina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $112,657
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,110
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Camille Vestres is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $112,657. They are classified at grade 12.

Lisa Szustak

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$112,657

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $112,657
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,657
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Williams

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $112,657
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,110
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Lisa Szustak works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Lisa earned $112,657 in 2026. Their pay grade is 12.

Brian Wielk

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$112,425

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $112,425
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,425
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Francis

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $112,425
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Brian Wielk holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $112,425. Their pay grade is 12.

Adam Gould

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$109,119

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $109,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,119
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Whitman

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,119
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Adam Gould is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $109,119. They are classified at grade 12.

Timothy Stackhouse

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$109,119

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $109,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,119
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Matthew

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,119
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Department of State, Timothy Stackhouse serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $109,119. They are classified at grade 12.

Reed Liriano

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$107,038

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $107,038
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,038
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Dallas
Work state: Texas
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,038
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,110
Duty Station Code: 481730121
Duty Station State: TX
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Reed Liriano holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Dallas, Texas. In 2026, their total compensation was $107,038. Their pay grade is 12.

Amanda Vining

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$100,038

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $100,038
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,038
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Dubai
Work state: No Data Reported
Middle name: Louise

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,038
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Duty Station Code: AE1200000
Duty Station State: NDR
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Amanda Vining is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Dubai, No Data Reported. 2024 total compensation came to $100,038. They are classified at grade 12.

Yan Hill

Paralegal Specialist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$89,460

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $89,460
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,460
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $89,460
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,791
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Yan Hill is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $89,460. They are classified at grade 09.