Network and Computer Systems Administrators vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn $35,790 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 58.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $150,320 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$150,320
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,320 | $39,710 | +$20,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,860 | $48,190 | +$27,670 |
| Median (50th) | $96,800 | $61,010 | +$35,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,390 | $78,280 | +$45,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,320 | $98,990 | +$51,330 |
| Mean (Average) | $101,190 | $66,510 | +$34,680 |
Employment Numbers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
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: Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $35,790 (58.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Network and Computer Systems Administrators has a median salary of $96,800 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