Financial Risk 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?
Financial Risk Specialists professionals earn $44,990 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 73.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Financial Risk Specialists earns $182,310 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Financial Risk Specialists$62,270 – $182,310
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$182,310
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Financial Risk Specialists | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,270 | $39,710 | +$22,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,280 | $48,190 | +$32,090 |
| Median (50th) | $106,000 | $61,010 | +$44,990 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,020 | $78,280 | +$66,740 |
| 90th Percentile | $182,310 | $98,990 | +$83,320 |
| Mean (Average) | $119,930 | $66,510 | +$53,420 |
Employment Numbers
Financial Risk Specialists
56,320
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Financial Risk Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $141,960 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $140,050 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $137,420 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $130,750 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $128,440 |
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 Risk Specialists or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Financial Risk Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $44,990 (73.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Financial Risk Specialists?
Financial Risk Specialists salaries range from $62,270 (10th percentile) to $182,310 (90th percentile), with a median of $106,000.
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 Risk Specialists and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 56,320 Financial Risk 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 Financial Risk Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Financial Risk Specialists has a median salary of $106,000 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