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

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist

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

166 employees hold this title in Department of Veterans Affairs. Median total compensation for the role is $85,932, below the department median of $88,751.

Employees: 166
Total payroll: $14.5M
Role median: $85,932
Agency median: $88,751
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$55,924$114,989+

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

How total compensation varies among the 166 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 Veterans Affairs pays a median base salary of $85,932 for this role, 37% above that figure — about the 79th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Veterans Affairs sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Department of Veterans Affairs median · $85,932

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

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Veterans Affairs is $85,932, 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 Veterans Affairs, the median of $85,932 ranks #45 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

Judith Cozatt-May

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$85,339

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $85,339
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $85,339
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Detroit
Work county: Wayne
Work state: Michigan

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $85,339
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 261260163
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Judith Cozatt-May serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Their 2024 pay totaled $85,339. They are classified at grade 11.

Brandon Aybar

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$85,053

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $85,053
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $85,053
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Lakewood
Work county: Pierce
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $85,053
Basic Pay (before locality): $65,020
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531124053
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Brandon Aybar is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Lakewood, Washington. 2024 total compensation came to $85,053. They are classified at grade 09.

Megan Boswell

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$84,644

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $84,644
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,644
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Jackson
Work county: Hinds
Work state: Mississippi

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,644
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 281220049
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Megan Boswell is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Jackson, Mississippi. 2024 total compensation came to $84,644. They are classified at grade 11.

Nichole Lindsey

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$84,644

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $84,644
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,644
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Louisville
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,644
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 212090111
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nichole Lindsey is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Louisville, Kentucky. 2024 total compensation came to $84,644. They are classified at grade 11.

Brent Niles

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$84,644

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $84,644
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,644
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,644
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Brent Niles holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $84,644. Their pay grade is 11.

Kirk Knockett

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$84,366

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $84,366
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,366
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,366
Basic Pay (before locality): $63,309
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kirk Knockett holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $84,366. Their pay grade is 09.

Ismail Scott

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$84,337

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $84,337
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,337
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Decatur
Work county: De Kalb
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,337
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 131610089
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ismail Scott is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Decatur, Georgia. 2024 total compensation came to $84,337. They are classified at grade 11.

Jamelda Burton-Domino

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$83,671

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $83,671
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,671
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Houston
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,671
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483280201
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamelda Burton-Domino is a Paralegal Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Houston, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $83,671. They are classified at grade 11.

Kaleigh Corrales

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$83,671

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $83,671
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,671
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Houston
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,671
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 483280201
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Kaleigh Corrales serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Houston, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $83,671. They are classified at grade 11.

Zachary Hammond

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$83,210

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $83,210
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $83,210
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Franklin
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $83,210
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391800049
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Zachary Hammond serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $83,210. They are classified at grade 11.

Louise Stevenson

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,979

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,979
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,979
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Indianapolis
Work county: Marion
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,979
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 182210097
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Louise Stevenson works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Louise earned $82,979 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Michelle Seals

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,808

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Waco
Work county: Mclennan
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 487210309
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Michelle Seals serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Waco, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,808. They are classified at grade 11.

Ashley Russell

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Ashley Russell serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,764. They are classified at grade 11.

Michael Geller

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Michael Geller serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,764. They are classified at grade 11.

Chiejuan Royal

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Chiejuan Royal works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. Chiejuan earned $82,764 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Juatane Miller

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Juatane Miller works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. Juatane earned $82,764 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Victoria Graham

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,633

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,633
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,633
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Diego
Work county: San Diego
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,633
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063260073
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Victoria Graham works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Veterans Affairs based in San Diego, California. Victoria earned $82,633 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Alonda Price

Paralegal Specialist/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$82,517

Sub-department: General Counsel
Base pay: $82,517
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,517
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Garland
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,517
Basic Pay (before locality): $65,020
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 482590113
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Alonda Price works as a Paralegal Specialist for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Garland, Texas. Alonda earned $82,517 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.