D&D 5E For cantrips is "level" level or class level?

[Juriel]

So a 15/2 Paladin/Warlock with a 20 Charisma is going to be tossing around 4 Eldritch Blasts at 1d10+5 damage each at will

Yes. But he could just as well be 2 levels higher in Paladin, and be attacking twice in melee for at least 1d8+1d8+5+magicweapon/fightingstyle/smites.

This just makes it a valid ranged option for him, IMO.