U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Surface Transportation Board / Paralegal Specialist

Job-title file

Paralegal Specialist

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

14 employees hold this title in Surface Transportation Board. Median total compensation for the role is $104,863, below the department median of $192,313.

Employees: 14
Total payroll: $1.6M
Role median: $104,863
Agency median: $192,313
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$87,281$189,224+

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

How total compensation varies among the 14 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. Surface Transportation Board pays a median base salary of $104,863 for this role, 67% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Surface Transportation Board sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,740

$50,340

$62,890

$80,080

$101,500

Surface Transportation Board median · $104,863

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 Surface Transportation Board’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Surface Transportation Board is $104,863, 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 57 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Surface Transportation Board, the median of $104,863 ranks #34 of 57.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$178,408 · 1

Securities and Exchange Commission

$159,982 · 87

Federal Reserve System

$154,796 · 37

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$150,304 · 12

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$137,544 · 27

Department of Treasury

$133,235 · 6

Federal Communications Commission

$126,314 · 4

Department of Health and Human Services

$125,845 · 70

Social Security Administration

$125,321 · 746

Export-Import Bank of the United States

$123,999 · 2

United States Agency for International Development

$123,028 · 2

Smithsonian Institution

$122,899 · 1

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 $101,918 ranks #2 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 Specialist roles 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.

Same department

Other job titles in Surface Transportation Board

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Andrea Popematheson

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$192,295

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $182,295
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $10,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $192,295
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $182,295
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $136,102
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Andrea Popematheson is a Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $192,295. They are classified at grade 14.

Andrea Pope-Matheson

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2025 total comp

$180,484

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $180,484
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $180,484
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $180,484
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $134,750
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Andrea Pope-Matheson is a Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2025 total compensation came to $180,484. They are classified at grade 14.

Jeffrey Herzig

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$150,203

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $150,203
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,203
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,203
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,142
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Jeffrey Herzig is a Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $150,203. They are classified at grade 13.

Tammy Lowery

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$116,071

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $116,071
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,071
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Sabrina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $116,071
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,659
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Surface Transportation Board, Tammy Lowery serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $116,071. They are classified at grade 12.

Brendetta Jones

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$108,238

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $108,238
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,238
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,238
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,811
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Surface Transportation Board, Brendetta Jones serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $108,238. They are classified at grade 11.

Aretha Lawsbyrum

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$108,238

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $108,238
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,238
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Rena

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,238
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,811
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 34
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Aretha Lawsbyrum is a Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $108,238. They are classified at grade 11.

Kenyatta Clay

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$105,389

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $105,389
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,389
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Imamu

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $105,389
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $78,684
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Kenyatta Clay is a Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $105,389. They are classified at grade 11.

Aretha Laws-Byrum

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2025 total comp

$104,337

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $104,337
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,337
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Rena

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,337
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $77,898
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Aretha Laws-Byrum works as a Paralegal Specialist for Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. Aretha earned $104,337 in 2025. Their pay grade is 11.

Regena Smithbernard

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$102,540

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $102,540
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,540
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,540
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,557
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Regena Smithbernard holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2026, their total compensation was $102,540. Their pay grade is 11.

Raina Sanmartin

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2025 total comp

$101,517

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $101,517
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,517
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Sha

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,517
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $75,793
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Raina Sanmartin holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2025, their total compensation was $101,517. Their pay grade is 11.

Regena Smith-Bernard

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2025 total comp

$98,698

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $98,698
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,698
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,698
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $73,688
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Regena Smith-Bernard holds the role of Paralegal Specialist at Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2025, their total compensation was $98,698. Their pay grade is 11.

Stefan Rice

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$93,994

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $93,994
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,994
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,994
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,176
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

At Surface Transportation Board, Stefan Rice serves as a Paralegal Specialist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $93,994. They are classified at grade 11.

Zantori Dickerson

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2026 total comp

$88,296

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $88,296
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,296
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Cymone

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,296
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $65,922
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Zantori Dickerson works as a Paralegal Specialist for Surface Transportation Board based in Washington, District of Columbia. Zantori earned $88,296 in 2026. Their pay grade is 11.

Eden Besera

Paralegal Specialist/Surface Transportation Board

2025 total comp

$87,281

Sub-department: Surface Transportation Board
Base pay: $87,281
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,281
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Cincinnati
Work state: Ohio
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $87,281
Agency Code (OPM): TW
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): TW00
Basic Pay (before locality): $71,583
Duty Station Code: 391610061
Duty Station State: OH
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0950

Eden Besera works as a Paralegal Specialist for Surface Transportation Board based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Eden earned $87,281 in 2025. Their pay grade is 11.