The strength of Wisconsin’s manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare industries has allowed it to rank among the nation’s top third Forbes’ Best States for Business, which translates into a strong legal services industry that supports the state’s paralegal profession.
Whether they’re working in a law department of a major corporate player like Johnson Controls in Milwaukee, Cellular Logistics in Sun Prairie, or Kohl’s in Menomonee Falls, or in a leading law firm like Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee or Akerman LLP in Madison, there’s plenty of opportunities to experience success in this legal support profession.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Wisconsin
As of May 2020, the average paralegal salary in Wisconsin was $50,950, or $24.49 per hour. Among the state’s paralegals who have gained considerable experience, including specialized experience in an area like estate law, consumer law, immigration law, or litigation, salaries here climb much higher. In fact, the top 10% here earned about $72,220, or $34.72 per hour during this time.
Average Paralegal Salary in Wisconsin by City
As of May 2020, the metro areas of Madison and Racine reported the highest average salaries for paralegals in Wisconsin, as well as the highest top 10% salaries.
Appleton:
Average – $45,810 ($22.03 hourly)
Top 10% – $62,950 ($30.27 hourly)
Eau Claire:
Average – $37,400 ($17.98 hourly)
Top 10% – $51,000 ($24.52 hourly)
Fond du Lac:
Average – $47,600 ($22.91 hourly)
Top 10% – $62,900 ($30.24 hourly)
Green Bay:
Average – $49,220 ($23.66 hourly)
Top 10% – $62,930 ($30.25 hourly)
La Crosse-Onalaska:
Average – $52,060 ($25.03 hourly)
Top 10% – $67,380 ($32.39 hourly)
Madison:
Average – $58,540 ($28.15 hourly)
Top 10% – $79,110 ($38.03 hourly)
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis:
Average – $51,120 ($24.62 hourly)
Top 10% – $74,640 ($35.89 hourly)
Oshkosh-Neenah:
Average – $50,940 ($24.49 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,510 ($31.50 hourly)
Racine:
Average – $59,200 ($28.46 hourly)
Top 10% – $83,250 ($40.03 hourly)
Sheboygan:
Average – $43,600 ($20.96 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,680 ($31.58 hourly)
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2021.