U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Social Security Administration / Paralegal Specialist

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist

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

702 employees hold this title in Social Security Administration. Median total compensation for the role is $120,246, above the department median of $92,904.

Employees: 702
Total payroll: $85.8M
Role median: $120,246
Agency median: $92,904
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$65,962$181,181+

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

How total compensation varies among the 702 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. Social Security Administration pays a median base salary of $120,246 for this role, 91% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Social Security Administration sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Social Security Administration median · $120,246

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 Social Security Administration’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 701 of 702 people in this role paid at least $25,000in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Social Security Administration is $120,246, 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 Social Security Administration, the median of $120,246 ranks #8 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

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

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

$115,731 · 5

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

Kristina Schaefer

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$100,327

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $100,327
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,327
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tucson
Work county: Pima
Work state: Arizona

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,327
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 040530019
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Kristina Schaefer serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Tucson, Arizona. Their 2024 pay totaled $100,327. They are classified at grade 12.

Edwin Rilloraza

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$99,340

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $99,340
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,340
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work county: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,340
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Edwin Rilloraza is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in San Francisco, California. 2024 total compensation came to $99,340. They are classified at grade 11.

Amie Balla

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$99,315

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $99,315
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,315
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,315
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,527
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Amie Balla serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $99,315. They are classified at grade 11.

Robert Kohl

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Robert Kohl serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $99,200. They are classified at grade 12.

Maryjo Ferrara

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Wilkes Barre
Work county: Luzerne
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 429340079
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Maryjo Ferrara serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Their 2024 pay totaled $98,555. They are classified at grade 12.

Melissa French

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Wilkes Barre
Work county: Luzerne
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 429340079
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melissa French holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. In 2024, their total compensation was $98,555. Their pay grade is 12.

Aimee Hardaway

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Mcalester
Work county: Pittsburg
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 402930121
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Aimee Hardaway serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Mcalester, Oklahoma. Their 2024 pay totaled $98,555. They are classified at grade 12.

Julia Johnson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tampa
Work county: Hillsborough
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122950057
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Julia Johnson holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Tampa, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $98,555. Their pay grade is 12.

Helen Littledeer

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Mcalester
Work county: Pittsburg
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 402930121
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Helen Littledeer is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Mcalester, Oklahoma. 2024 total compensation came to $98,555. They are classified at grade 12.

Meta Bailey

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$96,666

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $96,666
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,666
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Colorado Spgs
Work county: El Paso
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,666
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 080430041
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Meta Bailey serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Colorado Spgs, Colorado. Their 2024 pay totaled $96,666. They are classified at grade 11.

Vipul Soni

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$96,599

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $96,599
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,599
Pay grade: 11
Work county: New York
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,599
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 360000061
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Vipul Soni is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in New York. 2024 total compensation came to $96,599. They are classified at grade 11.

Lenny Souleret

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$96,556

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $96,556
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,556
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,556
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Lenny Souleret serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $96,556. They are classified at grade 11.

Michelle Gomez

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$96,330

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $96,330
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,330
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work county: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,330
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michelle Gomez is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in San Francisco, California. 2024 total compensation came to $96,330. They are classified at grade 11.

Darmisha Pierson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$96,330

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $96,330
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,330
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work county: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $96,330
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Darmisha Pierson holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in San Francisco, California. In 2024, their total compensation was $96,330. Their pay grade is 11.

Leon Jones

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$95,794

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $95,794
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,794
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Kansas City
Work county: Jackson
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $95,794
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 294120095
Length of Service (Years): 40
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Leon Jones is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Kansas City, Missouri. 2024 total compensation came to $95,794. They are classified at grade 11.

Jesse Bennett

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$95,657

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $95,657
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,657
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Springfield
Work county: Greene
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $95,657
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 297460077
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jesse Bennett holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Springfield, Missouri. In 2024, their total compensation was $95,657. Their pay grade is 12.

Timothy Shaw

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$94,781

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $94,781
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,781
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,781
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Timothy Shaw holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Seattle, Washington. In 2024, their total compensation was $94,781. Their pay grade is 11.

Barbara Eadie

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$94,781

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $94,781
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,781
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,781
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Barbara Eadie serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Seattle, Washington. Their 2024 pay totaled $94,781. They are classified at grade 11.

Reggie Horn

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$94,781

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $94,781
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,781
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,781
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Reggie Horn is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Seattle, Washington. 2024 total compensation came to $94,781. They are classified at grade 11.