Computer Network Support Specialists vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn $12,330 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 20.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Support Specialists earns $124,470 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$124,470
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Support Specialists | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,010 | $39,710 | +$6,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,720 | $48,190 | +$8,530 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 | $61,010 | +$12,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,710 | $78,280 | +$17,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,470 | $98,990 | +$25,480 |
| Mean (Average) | $79,610 | $66,510 | +$13,100 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Support Specialists
146,450
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,200 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 |
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: Computer Network Support Specialists or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $12,330 (20.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
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 Computer Network Support Specialists and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists 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 Computer Network Support Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Support Specialists has a median salary of $73,340 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