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 $60,640 and $122,050 as of April 24, 2024. 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

Go to:

Base Salary

Core compensation

$60,640
$122,050
$91,350

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.


Narrow the results by filtering on category, industry and income

Display

Choose a Category
All Category Accounting Administrative, Support, and Clerical Advertising Aerospace and Defense Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Architecture Arts and Entertainment Automotive Aviation and Airlines Banking Biotechnology Clergy Construction and Installation Consulting Services Customer Services Education Energy and Utilities Engineering Entry Level Environment Executive and Management Facilities, Maintenance, and Repair Financial Services Fire, Law Enforcement, and Security Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Government Graphic Arts Healthcare - Administrative Healthcare - Nursing Healthcare - Practitioners Healthcare - Technicians Hotel, Gaming, Leisure, and Travel Human Resources Insurance Internet and New Media IT - All IT - Computers, Hardware IT - Computers, Software IT - Executive, Consulting IT - Manager IT - Networking Legal Services Library Services Logistics Manufacturing Marketing Materials Management Media - Broadcast Media - Print Military Mining Non-Profit and Social Services Personal Care and Service Pharmaceuticals Planning Printing and Publishing Public Relations Purchasing Real Estate Restaurant and Food Services Retail/Wholesale Sales Science and Research Skilled and Trades Sports and Recreation Telecommunications Training Transportation and Warehousing
Retail & Wholesale
All Industry Aerospace & Defense Biotechnology Business Services Chemicals Construction Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Energy & Utilities Financial Services Healthcare Hospitality & Leisure Insurance Internet Media MFG Durable MFG Nondurable Pharmaceuticals Retail & Wholesale Software & Networking Telecom Transportation
Choose an Income Level
All Income Level $100,000+ $80,000 - $100,000 $50,000 - $80,000 $30,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $30,000
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

Research 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

Research 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

Research 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

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
Civil Litigation Paralegal
Stebelton Snider LPA - Lancaster , OH
Are you an experienced Paralegal and have always wanted to work for a top notch law firm that focuses on its employees, client relationships and local community? Are you looking to apply your ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Litigation Paralegal
Staffing Technologies - Portland , OR
Litigation Paralegal - Public Advocacy with Corporate Perks! A national plaintiff's law firm with a focus on public advocacy has partnered with Staffing Technologies in their search for a Litigation ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Paralegal - Estate Planning
Ledbetter Law Group - Venice , FL
Seeking Estate Planning and Corporate Paralegal in Venice, FL * Ledbetter Law Group, a boutique firm specializing in estate planning, business organization, real estate, and estate/trust ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today
Paralegal for Insurance Defense Litigation Firm
Deasey Mahoney & Valentini, Ltd. - Philadelphia , PA
Insurance Defense Litigation firm in Center City, Philadelphia is seeking a full-time Paralegal with a minimum of 5 years civil litigation experience to join our busy team! Qualified candidates must ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Investor Relations Paralegal
U.S. Immigration Fund - Tequesta , FL
US Immigration Fund, a global finance and real estate company headquartered in Tequesta, Florida, has an opening in our Investor Relations Department for a Paralegal with a minimum 7 years of ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Senior Paralegal
AbbVie - North Chicago , IL
Job Description The Senior Paralegal will be part of the AbbVie Operations and Procurement Legal team and responsible for negotiating contracts, improving processes, and directly advising AbbVie ...
ZipRecruiter ATS Jobs for ZipSearch/ZipAlerts - Today