If you are thinking about becoming a paralegal, you may be wondering how much money you can expect to make.
The average salary of a paralegal is $56,230 per year. However, this number can vary depending on your experience and location.
In this blog post, we will discuss the average salary of a paralegal in more detail.
We will also provide tips for increasing your earning potential as a paralegal!
Related: Paralegal Salary in Illinois
What is a paralegal Career?
Before we dive into the average salary of a paralegal, it is important to understand what a paralegal career entails.
A paralegal is a professional who provides support to lawyers and helps with the research and preparation of legal documents.
Paralegals typically have an Associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Many paralegals also choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in another field, such as business or criminal justice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ current Occupational Outlook Handbook, paralegals make a median salary of $56,230 per year (2021 data).
As we mentioned before, the average salary of a paralegal is $56,230 per year.
However, your salary as a paralegal can vary depending on your experience and location.
Related: Paralegal Salary in Connecticut
What Does a Paralegal Do?
Now that you know what a paralegal is, you may be wondering what they actually do.
Paralegals typically assist lawyers with research and the preparation of legal documents.
They may also be responsible for maintaining files, scheduling appointments, and communicating with clients.
In some cases, paralegals may also be asked to help with trial preparation, such as organizing exhibits and witness statements.
Related: Paralegal Salary in Las Vegas
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Paralegal
There are a few things you can do to increase your earning potential as a paralegal.
First, consider pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in another field, such as business or criminal justice.
Having a degree in another field can make you more marketable to potential employers.
You can also increase your earning potential by gaining experience in the field.
Many paralegals start out as legal assistants or file clerks before becoming paralegals.
If you have experience working in a law office, you may be able to command a higher salary.
Related: Paralegal Salary Philadelphia
What is Paralegal Average Salary by State?
Paralegals are an important part of the legal system, providing invaluable support to lawyers and helping to ensure that justice is served.
The average paralegal salary varies from state to state, but in general, paralegals can expect to earn a competitive wage. Here is a breakdown of the average paralegal salary by state:
| Alabama: $47,380 Alaska: $56,360 Arizona: $50,940 Arkansas: $40,820 California: $61,810 Colorado: $62,250 Connecticut: $60,240 Delaware: $57,140 DC: $82,010 Florida: $51,130 Georgia: $54,440 Hawaii:$54,530 Idaho:$48,110 Illinois:$59,960 | Indiana:$48,280 Iowa:$50,140 Kansas:$44,460 Kentucky :$44,650 Louisiana :$50,140 Maine :$52,320 Maryland: $56,890 Massachusetts :$61,650 Michigan: $51,790 Minnesota $57,390 Mississippi $45,960 Missouri $48,160 Montana $46,270 Nebraska $53,010 | Nevada $58,110 New Hampshire $55,930 New Jersey $60,300 New Mexico $49,020 New York $58,070 North Carolina $47,370 North Dakota $46,660 Ohio $48,210 Oklahoma $46,950 Oregon $57,970 Pennsylvania $55,490 Rhode Island $52,440 | South Carolina $46,540 South Dakota $49,130 Tennessee $49,830 Texas $54,430 Utah $52,200 Vermont $49,050 Virginia $52,520 Washington $60,840 West Virginia $48,580 Wisconsin $50,380 Wyoming $42,250 |
How to Land a Paralegal Job?
There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of landing a paralegal job:
Earn a Degree
Earn a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited institution. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job.
Get Experience
Gain experience through internships or volunteer work. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some experience in the field.
Network
Network with other professionals in the legal field. Attend industry events or join professional organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This will help you meet potential employers and learn about job openings.
Familiarize Yourself With Technology
Be knowledgeable about technology. Many law firms use computerized legal research databases, so it is important to be familiar with these tools.
By taking these steps, you will improve your chances of landing a paralegal job.
What is the Job Outlook for Paralegals?
The job outlook for paralegals is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of paralegals and legal assistants will grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is due in part to an increase in the demand for legal services.
As the population continues to grow, there will be an increased need for lawyers in a variety of settings, such as real estate, healthcare, and business.
This will create more opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants.
In addition, many law firms are using paralegals to perform tasks that were previously handled by lawyers.
By hiring paralegals, law firms can save money on labor costs.
As a result, there is an increased demand for paralegals with specialized skills and knowledge.
What Are The Best Paralegal Programs?
The best paralegal programs are those that are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
There are nearly 200 ABA-accredited paralegal programs in the United States.
These programs offer a variety of educational opportunities, from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees.
ABA-accredited programs also offer certificate programs for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
No matter what type of program you choose, it is important to make sure that it is accredited by the ABA.
This will ensure that you receive a quality education and that your degree will be recognized by potential employers.
What Are The Different Types of Paralegal Jobs?
The term “paralegal” is used to describe a number of different types of legal positions.
In general, paralegals are responsible for providing support to lawyers and performing various administrative tasks.
The specific duties of a paralegal can vary depending on the type of job. Here are some of the most common types of paralegal jobs:
Litigation paralegals
Litigation paralegals work with lawyers who handle civil lawsuits. They may be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with trial preparation.
Corporate paralegals
Corporate paralegals work for businesses, rather than law firms. Their duties can include drafting contracts, researching regulations, and handling compliance issues.
Government paralegals
Government paralegals work for local, state, or federal government agencies. They may assist with investigations, provide legal advice to government officials, or help to draft legislation.
Immigration paralegals
Immigration paralegals work with lawyers who handle immigration matters. They may be responsible for preparing visa applications, conducting research, and assisting with deportation proceedings.
Paralegals play an important role in the legal system. They provide crucial support to lawyers and perform a variety of administrative tasks.
If you are interested in a career as a paralegal, be sure to choose an accredited paralegal program and familiarize yourself with the different types of paralegal jobs.
What are the top firms for paralegals?
The best firms for paralegals are those that offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
In addition, the best firms provide their employees with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Here are some of the top firms for paralegals:
If you are interested in a career as a paralegal, be sure to research the different firms that are available.
Look for a firm that offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and that provides opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Also Read:
FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the paralegal profession:
Q: What is the average salary of a paralegal?
A: The average salary of a paralegal is $56,230 per year.
Q: How much does an entry-level paralegal make?
A: An entry-level paralegal makes an average salary of $40,560 per year.
Q: What are the top firms for paralegals?
A: The top firms for paralegals include Jones Day, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, Baker McKenzie, and DLA Piper.
Q: What are the duties of a paralegal?
A: The duties of a paralegal include conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting attorneys with trial preparation.
Paralegals may also be responsible for managing case files and scheduling appointments.
Q: What are the requirements to become a paralegal?
A: The requirements to become a paralegal vary by state, but most states require completion of an accredited paralegal program and passing of a professional exam.
Some employers may also require paralegals to have a bachelor’s degree.
Q: What are the skills needed to be a successful paralegal?
A: The skills needed to be a successful paralegal include strong research and writing abilities, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Good interpersonal skills are also important, as paralegals often interact with clients and other professionals.
Q: What are some of the challenges faced by paralegals?
A: Some of the challenges faced by paralegals include long hours, tight deadlines, and working on complex cases.
Paralegals must also be able to handle a high level of responsibility and maintain a high level of professionalism.
Q: What are the benefits of being a paralegal?
A: The benefits of being a paralegal include job satisfaction, career stability, and the opportunity to help people.
Paralegals also enjoy a good work-life balance and the opportunity to work in a variety of practice areas.
