Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn $106,730 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 174.9% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Architectural and Engineering Managers$111,450 – N/A
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$111,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $111,450 | $39,710 | +$71,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,930 | $48,190 | +$86,740 |
| Median (50th) | $167,740 | $61,010 | +$106,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,210 | $78,280 | +$128,930 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $98,990 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $175,710 | $66,510 | +$109,200 |
Employment Numbers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
210,340
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Architectural and Engineering Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $226,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $208,580 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $189,270 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $185,550 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $183,640 |
Best Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $106,730 (174.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Architectural and Engineering Managers salaries range from $111,450 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $167,740.
What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Architectural and Engineering Managers and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 210,340 Architectural and Engineering Managers positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants to Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Architectural and Engineering Managers has a median salary of $167,740 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS