A paralegal's salary can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific job duties. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for paralegals in the United States was $52,920 in May 2020. The BLS also reports that the top 10% of paralegals earned more than $85,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $31,400.
Paralegal Salary Ranges by Industry
Paralegal salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry in which they work. For example, paralegals working in the federal government tend to earn higher salaries, with a median annual salary of 65,820, according to the BLS. In contrast, paralegals working in small private law firms may earn lower salaries, with a median annual salary of around 40,000.
Paralegal Salary Ranges by Location
Location is also a significant factor in determining paralegal salaries. Paralegals working in major metropolitan areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities or rural areas. For example, the median annual salary for paralegals in the New York City area was 63,410 in May 2020, according to the BLS, while the median annual salary for paralegals in the rural South was 38,490.
| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Federal Government | $65,820 |
| Private Law Firms | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| Corporate Law | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| Non-Profit Organizations | $40,000 - $60,000 |
Paralegal Salary Ranges by Level of Experience
Level of experience is also a significant factor in determining paralegal salaries. Entry-level paralegals, with less than two years of experience, tend to earn lower salaries, with a median annual salary of around 35,000. In contrast, experienced paralegals, with more than five years of experience, can earn higher salaries, with a median annual salary of around 60,000.
Paralegal Salary Ranges by Certification
Certifications, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP), can also impact paralegal salaries. According to the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), certified paralegals tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified paralegals, with a median annual salary of around $55,000.
Key Points
- The median annual salary for paralegals in the United States was $52,920 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
- Paralegal salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific job duties.
- Certifications, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP), can impact paralegal salaries.
- Experienced paralegals, with more than five years of experience, can earn higher salaries, with a median annual salary of around $60,000.
- Location is a significant factor in determining paralegal salaries, with paralegals working in major metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities or rural areas.
In conclusion, paralegal salaries can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including location, industry, level of experience, and specific job duties. By considering these factors and obtaining certifications, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP), paralegals can increase their earning potential and advance their careers.
What is the median annual salary for paralegals in the United States?
+The median annual salary for paralegals in the United States was 52,920 in May 2020, according to the BLS.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do certifications impact paralegal salaries?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Certifications, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP), can impact paralegal salaries, with certified paralegals tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified paralegals.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the highest paying industry for paralegals?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The federal government is one of the highest paying industries for paralegals, with a median annual salary of 65,820, according to the BLS.
