Paralegal Salary in the United States

How much does the average Paralegal make in the United States?


The average salary for a Paralegal in the United States is between $59,150 and $119,060 as of July 25, 2023. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual Paralegal position you are looking for. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

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Base Salary

Core compensation

$59,150
$119,060
$89,100

What is a Paralegal?

A Paralegal, sometimes referred to as a legal assistant, supports the activities of attorneys and other legal professionals with research and the preparation of specific legal documentation. Paralegals may meet with clients to gather information and prepare statements or affidavits. They use specialized legal software and systems to collect and record information required for trails, litigation, and contract preparation. Paralegals may specialize in an area like real estate, litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, and immigration.


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Paralegal I
Alternate Job Titles: Research Paralegal I

Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data colle... View job details

Paralegal II
Alternate Job Titles: Research Paralegal II

Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data colle... View job details

Paralegal III
Alternate Job Titles: Research Paralegal III

Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data colle... View job details

Paralegal IV
Alternate Job Titles: Research Paralegal IV

Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data colle... View job details

Research Paralegal I
Alternate Job Titles: Research Paralegal I

Assists and supports attorneys with research and document preparation for court proceedings and legal transactions. Utilizes a variety of sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to research and analyze legal topics. Drafts and edits legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Conducts fact-finding, data colle... View job details

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Paralegal

What degree or educational requirements does a paralegal need?

Paralegals typically obtain an Associate's degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies. Some paralegals have a Bachelor's degree in another subject and then obtain paralegal certification. There are a few states that require a paralegal to have a degree, but most do not. Having formal paralegal education will enhance job opportunities as some companies do require either a degree or certification.

What are the best schools offering paralegal programs?

Most schools offer an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Some universities and community colleges offering strong paralegal programs that are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) are Roger Williams University, Bay Path University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, University of Montana, Eastern Kentucky University, Clayton State University, University of North Georgia, Faulkner University, DeAnza College, and Robert Morris University.

Are paralegals in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS), employment of paralegals, in general, is projected to grow about 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. The demand for paralegals will be strong as firms try to move some of the tasks performed by attorneys to paralegals. Large companies often have in house legal departments with a staff of paralegals.

What jobs are similar to or related to a paralegal?

Legal Assistant, Legal services specialists

Where can I find more information about paralegals training and career opportunities?

American Bar Association
National Federation of Paralegal Associations

What is the working environment for a paralegal?

A paralegal typically works in an office setting. Paralegals may need to attend court proceedings and sometimes must travel to different locations. Paralegals work with attorneys and other professionals and it is common for paralegals to work under deadlines.

Paralegal Jobs

Job Openings for Paralegal
Paralegal
Burtchaell Law, APC - Huntington Beach , CA
Burtchaell Law, APC has one attorney and two paralegals. We have recovered 8-figures three years in a row through tirelessly advocating for our clients. This firm is built on trust and attention to ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Real Estate Paralegal
City Personnel - Providence , RI
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package Responsibilities of the Real Estate Paralegal: * Reviews legal documentation to relating to commercial leases and related legal documents
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today
Estate Planning Paralegal
Corporate Ladder - Canton , OH
Estate Planning/Elder Law Paralegal Our client in the Belden Village area is looking for a full-time Estate Planning /Elder Law Paralegal who will focus on estate planning and assisting with estate ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today
Litigation Paralegal
Daniel Stark Law - Austin , TX
We have paralegal openings in our Austin & Tyler offices! Job Summary You may have a good idea of what a personal injury paralegal does, - meet with clients, draft documents, and manage attorney ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today
Litigation Paralegal
CornerStone Professional Placement - Fort Worth , TX
CornerStone Professional Placement is seeking a Litigation Paralegal for a law firm located in Fort Worth. As a Litigation Paralegal you will be performing administrative duties, interviewing with ...
ZipRecruiter - 1 day ago
Paralegal ( Hybrid / Remote )
Zelms Erlich & Mack - Phoenix , AZ
Zelms Erlich & Mack is seeking to hire a paralegal to join our team of legal researchers. You will be supporting our practice by preparing documents like affidavits and legal correspondence, as well ...
iHire - 1 day ago