Financial 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?
Financial Managers professionals earn $100,690 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 165.0% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Financial Managers$86,490 – N/A
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$98,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Financial Managers | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $86,490 | $39,710 | +$46,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,360 | $48,190 | +$70,170 |
| Median (50th) | $161,700 | $61,010 | +$100,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,210 | $78,280 | +$135,930 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $98,990 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $180,470 | $66,510 | +$113,960 |
Employment Numbers
Financial Managers
818,620
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Financial Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $218,920 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $216,520 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $211,730 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $188,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $180,770 |
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: Financial Managers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Financial Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $100,690 (165.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Financial Managers?
Financial Managers salaries range from $86,490 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $161,700.
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 Financial Managers and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 818,620 Financial 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 Financial Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Financial Managers has a median salary of $161,700 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS