Computer Systems Analysts 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 Systems Analysts professionals earn $42,780 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 70.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $39,710 | +$23,450 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $48,190 | +$32,710 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $61,010 | +$42,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $78,280 | +$54,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $98,990 | +$67,040 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $66,510 | +$45,450 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
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 Systems Analysts or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $42,780 (70.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
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 Systems Analysts and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts 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 Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 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