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

Karen Nash

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$142,566

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $142,566
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,566
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Kingsport
Work county: Sullivan
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,566
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471280163
Length of Service (Years): 38
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Karen Nash holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Kingsport, Tennessee. In 2024, their total compensation was $142,566. Their pay grade is 14.

Robert Pitts

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$142,566

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $142,566
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,566
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Mobile
Work county: Mobile
Work state: Alabama

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,566
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 012100097
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Robert Pitts serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Mobile, Alabama. Their 2024 pay totaled $142,566. They are classified at grade 14.

Alicia Vanbuskirk

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$142,566

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $142,566
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,566
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Mount Pleasant
Work county: Isabella
Work state: Michigan

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,566
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 263410073
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Alicia Vanbuskirk is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. 2024 total compensation came to $142,566. They are classified at grade 14.

Annette Smith

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$142,566

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $142,566
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,566
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Franklin
Work county: Williamson
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,566
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 470850187
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Annette Smith holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Franklin, Tennessee. In 2024, their total compensation was $142,566. Their pay grade is 14.

Jamila Power

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$142,378

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $142,378
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,378
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Valparaiso
Work county: Porter
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,378
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 184960127
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamila Power works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Valparaiso, Indiana. Jamila earned $142,378 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Nadezhda Khomuk

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,735

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,735
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,735
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Jersey City
Work county: Hudson
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,735
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,275
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 341520017
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nadezhda Khomuk works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Nadezhda earned $141,735 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Sharon Kelly

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Sharon Kelly serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $141,557. They are classified at grade 13.

Kellie Selby

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Kellie Selby serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $141,557. They are classified at grade 13.

Rodney Boone

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rodney Boone works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Rodney earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

June Defontes

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

June Defontes holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $141,557. Their pay grade is 13.

Brandon Epps

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Brandon Epps works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Brandon earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Laverne Ginyard

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Laverne Ginyard works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Laverne earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Felissa Hall

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Felissa Hall works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Felissa earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Kimberly Harmon

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kimberly Harmon works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Kimberly earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Felecia Hurley

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Felecia Hurley is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $141,557. They are classified at grade 13.

Renee Mason

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Renee Mason holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $141,557. Their pay grade is 13.

Kisha Pretlow

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kisha Pretlow holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $141,557. Their pay grade is 13.

Robin Peace

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Robin Peace holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $141,557. Their pay grade is 13.

Sharon Robinson

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sharon Robinson holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $141,557. Their pay grade is 13.

Vivian Rogers-Nichols

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$141,557

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $141,557
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $141,557
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Baltimore
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $141,557
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,226
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240050510
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Vivian Rogers-Nichols works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Baltimore, Maryland. Vivian earned $141,557 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.