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

Melissa Lizama

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Hattiesburg
Work county: Forrest
Work state: Mississippi

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 281050035
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melissa Lizama is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 2024 total compensation came to $107,250. They are classified at grade 12.

Kathryn Lopez

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: San Juan
Work state: No Data Reported

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: RQ0930000
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kathryn Lopez holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in San Juan, No Data Reported. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

April Lott

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Charleston
Work county: Charleston
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450410019
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

April Lott works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Charleston, South Carolina. April earned $107,250 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Michael Manning

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Orlando
Work county: Orange
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122360095
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michael Manning holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Orlando, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

Danielle Middleton

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Roanoke
Work county: Roanoke
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 512100770
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Danielle Middleton holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Roanoke, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

Daniel Sorrow

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Orlando
Work county: Orange
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122360095
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Daniel Sorrow serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Orlando, Florida. Their 2024 pay totaled $107,250. They are classified at grade 12.

Ami Talbot

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Mcalester
Work county: Pittsburg
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 402930121
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ami Talbot holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Mcalester, Oklahoma. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

Michael Tate

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Chattanooga
Work county: Hamilton
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 470400065
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michael Tate works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Michael earned $107,250 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Rachel Williams

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Charleston
Work county: Charleston
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450410019
Length of Service (Years): 40
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rachel Williams holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Charleston, South Carolina. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

Raymond Hilligoss

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,250

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,250
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,250
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tulsa
Work county: Tulsa
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,250
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 404780143
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Raymond Hilligoss holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2024, their total compensation was $107,250. Their pay grade is 12.

Ashley Kim

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$107,068

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $107,068
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,068
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Fort Worth
Work county: Tarrant
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,068
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 482450439
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ashley Kim is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Fort Worth, Texas. 2024 total compensation came to $107,068. They are classified at grade 12.

Seth Kowalski

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,914

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,914
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,914
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Pittsburgh
Work county: Allegheny
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,914
Basic Pay (before locality): $88,520
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426600003
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Seth Kowalski holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,914. Their pay grade is 13.

Mark Caldwell

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,862

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,862
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,862
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Saint Louis
Work county: Saint Louis
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,862
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 297080510
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Mark Caldwell holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Saint Louis, Missouri. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,862. Their pay grade is 12.

Rebecca Mcginnis

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,862

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,862
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,862
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Saint Louis
Work county: Saint Louis
Work state: Missouri

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,862
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 297080510
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Rebecca Mcginnis serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Saint Louis, Missouri. Their 2024 pay totaled $106,862. They are classified at grade 12.

Debra Mathues

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Franklin
Work county: Williamson
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 470850187
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Debra Mathues serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Franklin, Tennessee. Their 2024 pay totaled $106,856. They are classified at grade 13.

Kimberly Haston

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Rapides
Work state: Louisiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 220040079
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kimberly Haston works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Alexandria, Louisiana. Kimberly earned $106,856 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Rosario Carney

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Orlando
Work county: Orange
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122360095
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rosario Carney works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Orlando, Florida. Rosario earned $106,856 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Shannon Ducote

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Rapides
Work state: Louisiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 220040079
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Shannon Ducote serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Alexandria, Louisiana. Their 2024 pay totaled $106,856. They are classified at grade 13.

Sharon Lerner

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Montgomery
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Alabama

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 012130101
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sharon Lerner is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Montgomery, Alabama. 2024 total compensation came to $106,856. They are classified at grade 13.

Joseph Lockridge

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Memphis
Work county: Shelby
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471620157
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joseph Lockridge holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,856. Their pay grade is 13.

Ashley Ogan

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Knoxville
Work county: Knox
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471300093
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Ashley Ogan serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their 2024 pay totaled $106,856. They are classified at grade 13.

Hue Ruiz

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: San Juan
Work state: No Data Reported

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: RQ0930000
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Hue Ruiz works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in San Juan, No Data Reported. Hue earned $106,856 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Danielle Stepp

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Lexington
Work county: Fayette
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 211980067
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Danielle Stepp works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Lexington, Kentucky. Danielle earned $106,856 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Arienne Thornton

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Greensboro
Work county: Guilford
Work state: North Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 371940081
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Arienne Thornton works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Arienne earned $106,856 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Jennifer Wilson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Oklahoma City
Work county: Oklahoma
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 403550109
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Jennifer Wilson serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Their 2024 pay totaled $106,856. They are classified at grade 13.

Desiree Lauder

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$106,856

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $106,856
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,856
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Tampa
Work county: Hillsborough
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,856
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122950057
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Desiree Lauder holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Tampa, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,856. Their pay grade is 13.