Paralegals in These Five States Earn the Most

Paralegals in These Five States Earn the Most

Paralegals play an important role in the legal profession. They are competent professionals who undertake a range of responsibilities, such as conducting legal research, organizing legal interviews, and preparing legal documentation in conventional law offices or government, corporate, and public domains. 

As a paralegal, you may also specialize in other legal areas, such as intellectual property, immigration, bankruptcy, worker benefits, criminal law, real estate, personal injury, and family law. 

Whether you are an experienced paralegal or are looking to start your career in this industry, you might be thinking: what is the best state for paralegal jobs? 

In this article, we discuss the top five states to work as a paralegal and how much you can expect to earn in each state. We also share ways to become a paralegal and how to easily enroll in a paralegal training course. 

Best Five States for Paralegals 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals earn an average annual salary of $58,330 ($28.04 per hour) nationwide, with the top 10% earning as much as $88,640 annually. Employment of paralegals is expected to increase 12% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (8%). 

National statistics also reveal that, on average, around 43,000 vacancies for paralegals and legal assistants are expected annually over the decade. Many of these vacancies are likely to stem from the need to replace employees who switch to different professions or retire from the workforce. 

What states offer the most lucrative jobs for paralegals? How much salary can you expect to earn in these states? Let’s find out. 

District of Columbia 

With about 5,540 jobs advertised for paralegals, the District of Columbia offers promising growth opportunities for skilled paralegal professionals. The location quotient of 3.5 indicates that the occupation has over three times the share of employment than average in the state. On average, about eight paralegal jobs are posted per 1,000 jobs in the area. 

How much do paralegals make in the District of Columbia? 

Paralegals in the District of Columbia earn a mean income of $83,420 every year ($40.11 hourly). 

Washington 

Around 6,430 jobs are advertised annually for paralegals in Washington, with a ratio of about two paralegal jobs per 1,000 jobs in the state. With a location quotient of 0.84, the occupation has a slightly lower share of employment than average in the area. However, this does not mean that paralegals have limited growth prospects in Washington. You will find them employed in all types of organizations, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. 

How much do paralegals make in Washington? 

Paralegals in Washington earn an average salary of $71,900 every year ($34.67 hourly). 

California 

California offers the most number of paralegal jobs annually (about 34,710) among all other states listed in this article. With a location quotient of 0.88, the paralegal occupation has a bit lower share of employment than other jobs in California. However, roughly two jobs per 1,000 jobs advertised in the state are for paralegal professionals. 

How much do paralegals make in California? 

Paralegals in California make $70,290 on average ($33.79 hourly). 

Massachusetts 

Massachusetts offers about 8,430 employments for paralegals every year, with a ratio of 2.5 jobs for paralegals per 1,000 jobs in other occupations available in the state. With a location quotient of 1.04, the paralegal occupation has an almost equivalent share of employment as compared to other jobs in Massachusetts. 

How much do paralegals make in Massachusetts? 

Paralegals in Massachusetts earn a yearly salary of $66,820 on average ($32.12 hourly). 

New Jersey 

In New Jersey, about 7,590 jobs are posted annually. Almost two jobs in the state are for paralegals out of 1,000 jobs available in other occupations. A location quotient of 0.83 indicates that the paralegal occupation has a slightly lower share of employment than other jobs in New Jersey. However, paralegals enjoy great career growth in the state and work mostly with lawyers, helping them in preparing for hearings, trials, and business meetings. 

How much do paralegals make in New Jersey? 

Paralegals in New Jersey make $65,950 every year, on average (equivalent to $31.71 per hour). 

How to Become a Paralegal 

Most paralegals have an associate degree in paralegal studies. However, you may also have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and certification in paralegal studies. That is because only very few schools offer bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. So, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in another field (such as business, social science, and security and protective service) and get a certification in paralegal studies from a reliable program approved by the American Bar Association. Most certificate programs provide exhaustive paralegal training for individuals who already have college degrees. 

Sometimes companies also employ college graduates with no legal experience or legal education and train them on the job. 

Become a Paralegal Online with ed2go 

There are several pathways you can take to become a paralegal. One such way is to attend an online course with a trusted provider. 

ed2go’s Paralegal training course will provide you with the expertise you require to join the paralegal industry. From conducting legal interviews and research to performing legal evaluations, you will learn all the key concepts that are essential for a successful paralegal career. Apart from the industry-specific knowledge, you will also gain new soft skills to become more effective in the workplace. 

We have a collaboration with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). So, once you complete this course, you will also become a member of NALA and gain access to its Certified Paralegal (CP) Examination Review courses. This will help you in the future whenever you decide to sit for the NALA CP examination. 

The course will take 12 months to complete. It is a self-paced, 100% online course, and open enrollment means you can begin learning anytime. 

Learn more about the course here or get in touch to speak to an enrollment rep.