According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to rise by 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, twice as fast as jobs for lawyers. Simply put, legal labor is cheaper when it's done by paralegals. Still, paralegals earn above-average salaries.
- Best Overall: California State University, LA.
- Best Online Program: Hofstra University.
- Most Affordable: Des Moines Area Community College.
- Best for Student Support: American National University.
- Best for Job Placement: Monroe County Community College.
Is it worth becoming a paralegal?
Becoming a trained and experienced paralegal gives you great job prospects in several sectors, beit government agencies, real estate companies, or corporate law firms. According to CNN Money Magazine, the paralegal profession ranked in the top 50 jobs in the United States.Feb 5, 2019
Is a paralegal a bad career?
There are great jobs, and there are bad jobs, but most positions fall somewhere in between. A career as a paralegal, also known as a legal assistant, can bea wonderfully fulfilling profession, but it also has its disadvantages, from a lack of respect to high levels of stress.
Do paralegals make more money than lawyers?
So how do the two stack up? The 2020 median annual salary for lawyers was $126,930, which is more than double the $52,920 median salary for paralegals, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where do the highest paid paralegals work?
- Connecticut average paralegal salary: $62,760.
- California average paralegal salary: $61,240.
- Washington average paralegal salary: $60,940.
- Massachusetts average paralegal salary: $60,320.
- Alaska average paralegal salary: $59,140.
- New York average paralegal salary: $58,750.
Can paralegals make 100K?
On the whole, paralegals are paid far less than $100K, with some paralegals being paid barely more than minimum wage with no benefits. In some markets, such as New York and Silicon Valley, paralegals might be paid more than $100K, but because of high COL that pay may amount to barely more than a living wage.
Is a certificate in paralegal studies worth it?
A paralegal certificate can be valuable in a few particular instances: You have a bachelor's degree but want to change careers quickly. You have an associate's degree and want more credentials. You don't have a higher education but want to get the ball rolling on a professional career.
What state do paralegals make the most money?
- Alaska average paralegal salary: $59,140.
- New York average paralegal salary: $58,750.
- Colorado average paralegal salary: $58,350.
- New Jersey average paralegal salary: $58,260.
- Nevada average paralegal salary: $57,600.
- Delaware average paralegal salary: $57,290.
What is the most a paralegal can make?
Salary by Paralegal Type According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2019 median pay for paralegals and legal assistants was $51,740 per year. The highest 10% earned more than $82,000.
What is the difference between paralegal certificate and degree?
The terms are not interchangeable and have separate meaning. A certificate verifies that a student has successfully completed a paralegal educational program. The prerequisites may vary but many require the entering student to have an associate or bachelor's degree in another area.
Can paralegals make six figures?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants With an average salary of $53,910, it usually takes 20 years in the field for paralegals to earn a six-figure salary. There are currently 104,000 millennials working as paralegals and legal assistants.
What is the best state for a paralegal?
We found that Washington is the best state for Paralegal jobs, whereas South Dakota is the worst.Apr 6, 2021
Can you make 6 figures as a paralegal?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Working in the legal field doesn't always require a law degree. With an average salary of $53,910, it usually takes 20 years in the field for paralegals to earn a six-figure salary.