A Paralegal acts in a supportive capacity to an attorney, assisting them in a variety of tasks such as documentation, client interviews, investigation, research, etc.
The demand for paralegals has been on a consistent rise recently, and job growth is expected to only rise further.
The minimum qualification required to become a Paralegal is a high school diploma or a GED.
According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the average annual salary was recorded to be $56,230 for paralegals.
Entry-Level Paralegal Salary
If you’re just starting out as a Paralegal, you can expect your salary to be lower than the median salary, which is around $53,230. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn between $36,410 to $46,000.
However, these numbers can vary depending on the demand for paralegals in different locations.
Highest Employing Industries for Paralegals
Here are the top industries that hire paralegals with their salary figures:-
- Legal Services-
The highest-paying industry is legal services, with an employment rate of 258,310 jobs. - Federal Executive Branch-
The second highest-paying industry is the Federal Executive Branch which has 15,480 jobs with an annual mean wage of $73,580. If you’re thinking of pursuing a career as a Paralegal, you can find great opportunities in the Federal Executive Branch - Local Government (Excluding schools and hospitals)-
In terms of employment, Local Government has 14,890 jobs and an annual mean wage of $57,770. - State Government (Excluding schools and Hospitals)-
There has been a great deal of opportunities for paralegals, with 9240 jobs in State Government Departments as well. - Management of companies and enterprises-
They have an employment rate of 0.23% and 7250 jobs.
Highest paying industries for Paralegals
As mentioned earlier, if you’re just starting out for this role, you can expect a lower salary. However, there are some industries that pay you well, even as a beginner.
Top paying industries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants:
Paralegal Salary by State
Although the average salaries offered by law firms or organizations are usually similar, at the same time, there are variations based on ‘Job Location’. Let’s take a look at some figures:-
Top paying states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants:
| State | Annual mean wage |
| California | $72,290 |
| Washington | $71,900 |
| Massachusetts | $66,820 |
| New Jersey | $65,950 |
| Oregon | $64,680 |
| Colorado | $63,850 |
| New York | $63,270 |
| Alaska | $62,970 |
| Connecticut | $62,080 |
| Minnesota | $61,790 |
| Illinois | $60,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,440 |
| Maryland | $60,130 |
| Road Island | $59,700 |
| Delaware | $59,450 |
| New Hampshire | $59,320 |
| Hawaii | $57,920 |
| Michigan | $56,960 |
| Nevada | $56,220 |
| Texas | $56,030 |
| Arizona | $55,560 |
| Virginia | $54,840 |
| Utah | $54,650 |
| Vermont | $54,470 |
| Missouri | $53,940 |
| Florida | $53,940 |
| Georgia | $53,300 |
| South Dakota | $52,590 |
| Nebraska | $52,150 |
| Iowa | $52,000 |
| Wisconsin | $51,100 |
| Ohio | $50,500 |
| Montana | $50,410 |
| Main | $50,350 |
| Tennessee | $50,260 |
| North Dakota | $49,550 |
| North Carolina | $49,470 |
| Idaho | $49,270 |
| Alabama | $49,160 |
| Indiana | $48,470 |
| Louisiana | $48,240 |
| Oklahoma | $48,070 |
| New Mexico | $47,810 |
| West Virginia | $47,780 |
| Kentucky | $47,180 |
| Kansas | $46,590 |
| Wyoming | $46,230 |
| South Carolina | $46,080 |
| Mississippi | $42,730 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas for Paralegals
There are some top-paying metropolitan areas for paralegals as well; let’s have a look at them below:-
- New Orleans- Metairie- The highest-paying metropolitan area is New Orleans which has an annual wage of $51,690.
- Charleston- The second highest paying area is Charleston which has an annual wage of $53,210.
- Miami Fort Lauderdale-West Palm- In terms of salary, Miami also got a great track record, such as $58,180.
- Columbia- Fourth one is Columbia which also got a great record of $47,790 annual salary.
- Tallahassee- Tallahassee has got some deal in terms of salary, which is $47,390
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