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 2

Lea Yates

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$103,409

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $103,409
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,409
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Morgantown
Work county: Monongalia
Work state: West Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $103,409
Basic Pay (before locality): $88,520
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 541840061
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lea Yates holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Morgantown, West Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $103,409. Their pay grade is 13.

Kylie Bentley

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$103,409

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $103,409
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,409
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Mcalester
Work county: Pittsburg
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $103,409
Basic Pay (before locality): $88,520
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 402930121
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Kylie Bentley serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Mcalester, Oklahoma. Their 2024 pay totaled $103,409. They are classified at grade 13.

Ruth Hummel

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$103,043

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $103,043
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,043
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Kansas City
Work county: Jackson
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $103,043
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 294120095
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ruth Hummel works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Kansas City, Missouri. Ruth earned $103,043 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Laura Rodriguez

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,590

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,590
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,590
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Chicago
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,590
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 171670031
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Laura Rodriguez works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Chicago, Illinois. Laura earned $102,590 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Theresa Aguirre

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,590

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,590
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,590
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Chicago
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,590
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 171670031
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Theresa Aguirre is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Chicago, Illinois. 2024 total compensation came to $102,590. They are classified at grade 11.

Frankie Reed

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,463

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,463
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Dallas
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,463
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 481730113
Length of Service (Years): 46
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Frankie Reed works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Dallas, Texas. Frankie earned $102,463 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Artie Blanks

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,463

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,463
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Dallas
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,463
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 481730113
Length of Service (Years): 39
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Artie Blanks works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Dallas, Texas. Artie earned $102,463 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Yanin Llamas

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,350

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,350
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,350
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work county: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,350
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Yanin Llamas serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in San Francisco, California. Their 2024 pay totaled $102,350. They are classified at grade 11.

Brenda Saefong

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,350

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,350
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,350
Pay grade: 11
Work city: San Francisco
Work county: San Francisco
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,350
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063290075
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Brenda Saefong holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in San Francisco, California. In 2024, their total compensation was $102,350. Their pay grade is 11.

Justin Kenny

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$102,200

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $102,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: West Des Moines
Work county: Polk
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 198980153
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Justin Kenny holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in West Des Moines, Iowa. In 2024, their total compensation was $102,200. Their pay grade is 12.

Carolyn Shamblin

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Charleston
Work county: Kanawha
Work state: West Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 540480039
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Carolyn Shamblin works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Charleston, West Virginia. Carolyn earned $101,453 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Abby May

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tupelo
Work county: Lee
Work state: Mississippi

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 282610081
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Abby May holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Tupelo, Mississippi. In 2024, their total compensation was $101,453. Their pay grade is 12.

Sandy Burchett

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Wichita
Work county: Sedgwick
Work state: Kansas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 205880173
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sandy Burchett holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Wichita, Kansas. In 2024, their total compensation was $101,453. Their pay grade is 12.

Kareen Alvin

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Savannah
Work county: Chatham
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 134910051
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kareen Alvin is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Savannah, Georgia. 2024 total compensation came to $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Julie Anderson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Kingsport
Work county: Sullivan
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471280163
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Julie Anderson serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Kingsport, Tennessee. Their 2024 pay totaled $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Christopher Garrison

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tampa
Work county: Hillsborough
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122950057
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christopher Garrison is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Tampa, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Kia Jefferson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Columbia
Work county: Richland
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450520079
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Kia Jefferson serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Columbia, South Carolina. Their 2024 pay totaled $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Erika Lundquist

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Erika Lundquist holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $101,453. Their pay grade is 12.

Misty Mask

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tupelo
Work county: Lee
Work state: Mississippi

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 282610081
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Misty Mask works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Tupelo, Mississippi. Misty earned $101,453 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Virginia Mueller

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Memphis
Work county: Shelby
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471620157
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Virginia Mueller works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Memphis, Tennessee. Virginia earned $101,453 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Angela Peavyhouse

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Kingsport
Work county: Sullivan
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471280163
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Angela Peavyhouse is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Kingsport, Tennessee. 2024 total compensation came to $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Kim Smith

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tulsa
Work county: Tulsa
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 404780143
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kim Smith works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kim earned $101,453 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Lori Smithers

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Knoxville
Work county: Knox
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471300093
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lori Smithers is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Knoxville, Tennessee. 2024 total compensation came to $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Mary Traff

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Montgomery
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Alabama

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 012130101
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Mary Traff serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Montgomery, Alabama. Their 2024 pay totaled $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Christa Walls

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,453

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,453
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,453
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Morgantown
Work county: Monongalia
Work state: West Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,453
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,846
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 541840061
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christa Walls is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Morgantown, West Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $101,453. They are classified at grade 12.

Tammy Mouzon

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$101,126

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $101,126
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,126
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Philadelphia
Work county: Philadelphia
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,126
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,667
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426540101
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Tammy Mouzon serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their 2024 pay totaled $101,126. They are classified at grade 11.