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

Tyesha Renner

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Woodlawn
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241698005
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tyesha Renner is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Woodlawn, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $82,764. They are classified at grade 11.

Jennifer Hudgins

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,500

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,500
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,500
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Philadelphia
Work county: Philadelphia
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,500
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426540101
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Jennifer Hudgins serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,500. They are classified at grade 11.

Mattie Aguero

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,500

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,500
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,500
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Philadelphia
Work county: Philadelphia
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,500
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426540101
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Mattie Aguero works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mattie earned $82,500 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Marisol Stockett

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,500

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,500
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,500
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Pennsauken
Work county: Camden
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,500
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 342545007
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Marisol Stockett serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,500. They are classified at grade 11.

Celeste Turner

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,379

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,379
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,379
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Atlanta
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,379
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 130280121
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Celeste Turner holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2024, their total compensation was $82,379. Their pay grade is 09.

Shelli Murray

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Lexington
Work county: Fayette
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 211980067
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Shelli Murray is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Lexington, Kentucky. 2024 total compensation came to $82,226. They are classified at grade 11.

Frances Difranco

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Mobile
Work county: Mobile
Work state: Alabama

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 012100097
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Frances Difranco serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Mobile, Alabama. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,226. They are classified at grade 11.

Donna Edwards

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Savannah
Work county: Chatham
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 134910051
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Donna Edwards works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Savannah, Georgia. Donna earned $82,226 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Tina Fagan

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Paducah
Work county: Mccracken
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 212520145
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tina Fagan is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Paducah, Kentucky. 2024 total compensation came to $82,226. They are classified at grade 11.

Camellia Hughes

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Middlesboro
Work county: Bell
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 212220013
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Camellia Hughes is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Middlesboro, Kentucky. 2024 total compensation came to $82,226. They are classified at grade 11.

Megan Moore

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,226

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,226
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Wilmington
Work county: New Hanover
Work state: North Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 375060129
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Megan Moore works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Megan earned $82,226 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Carmen Suarez

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,189

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,189
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,189
Pay grade: 09
Work city: New York - New York
Work county: New York
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,189
Basic Pay (before locality): $59,887
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 364170061
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Carmen Suarez holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in New York - New York, New York. In 2024, their total compensation was $82,189. Their pay grade is 09.

Jennifer Furman

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,151

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,151
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,151
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Albany
Work county: Albany
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,151
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 360050001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jennifer Furman holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Albany, New York. In 2024, their total compensation was $82,151. Their pay grade is 11.

Onisia Bryant

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$82,085

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $82,085
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,085
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Woodlawn
Work county: Baltimore
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,085
Basic Pay (before locality): $61,598
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241698005
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Onisia Bryant serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Woodlawn, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $82,085. They are classified at grade 09.

Myra Figueroa

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$81,745

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $81,745
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $81,745
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Springfield
Work county: Hampden
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $81,745
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 251270013
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Myra Figueroa works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Springfield, Massachusetts. Myra earned $81,745 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Shakie Graves

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$81,475

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $81,475
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $81,475
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Charlotte
Work county: Mecklenburg
Work state: North Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $81,475
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 370870119
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Shakie Graves works as a Paralegal Specialist for Social Security Administration based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shakie earned $81,475 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Jennifer Jones

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$80,013

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $80,013
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,013
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Johnstown
Work county: Cambria
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,013
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,247
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 424010021
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jennifer Jones holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 2024, their total compensation was $80,013. Their pay grade is 11.

Thea Rome

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,839

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,839
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,839
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Philadelphia
Work county: Philadelphia
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,839
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426540101
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Thea Rome is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2024 total compensation came to $79,839. They are classified at grade 11.

Patricia Spencer-Dudley

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Social Security Administration, Patricia Spencer-Dudley serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Their 2024 pay totaled $79,808. They are classified at grade 11.

Bobbie Ellis

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Middlesboro
Work county: Bell
Work state: Kentucky

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 212220013
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Bobbie Ellis holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Middlesboro, Kentucky. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,808. Their pay grade is 11.

Julie Hartsock

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Kingsport
Work county: Sullivan
Work state: Tennessee

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 471280163
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Julie Hartsock holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Kingsport, Tennessee. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,808. Their pay grade is 11.

Hope Naylor

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Jackson
Work county: Hinds
Work state: Mississippi

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 281220049
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Hope Naylor holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,808. Their pay grade is 11.

Tiffany Short

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$79,808

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $79,808
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,808
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Ft Myers
Work county: Lee
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,808
Basic Pay (before locality): $68,317
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 121070071
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tiffany Short is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Ft Myers, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $79,808. They are classified at grade 11.

Jeseyka Brock

Paralegal Specialist/Social Security Administration

2024 total comp

$78,232

Sub-department: Social Security Administration
Base pay: $78,232
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $78,232
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Fayetteville
Work county: Cumberland
Work state: North Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $78,232
Basic Pay (before locality): $64,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 371670051
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jeseyka Brock is a Paralegal Specialist at Social Security Administration based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 2024 total compensation came to $78,232. They are classified at grade 11.