Programs Near You
To Select a program of interest to explore trade schools that match your goals.
Paralegal Schools & Programs
Paralegals earn a median salary of $60,970 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), and the field adds roughly 32,600 job openings annually. Paralegal programs prepare you to work alongside attorneys, handling legal research, document preparation, and case management across every area of law. If you are detail-oriented, organized, and interested in the legal system, paralegal training can lead to a stable, professional career – often with just a certificate or associate degree rather than years of law school.
Paralegal Salary Snapshot
U.S.39,300 openings/yr
What Is a Paralegal Program?
Paralegal programs prepare graduates to assist attorneys with legal research, document drafting, case management, and client communication across practice areas including litigation, family law, corporate law, real estate, and criminal defense. Students learn to navigate legal databases, draft pleadings and contracts, organize case files, and understand the procedural framework of the legal system. Programs range from post-baccalaureate certificates to associate degrees, with some schools offering ABA-approved curricula that meet specific standards for faculty, resources, and course content. Graduates enter one of the largest legal support occupations in the country, with approximately 347,800 paralegals employed nationwide.
What You’ll Learn
- Legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other databases
- Civil litigation procedures, court filing, and case management
- Contract drafting, review, and analysis
- Legal writing, memoranda, and correspondence
- Legal ethics and professional responsibility
- Family law, criminal law, real estate, and corporate law fundamentals
- Discovery management and e-discovery tools
- Client interviewing and communication skills
- Law office management and legal technology applications
- Administrative hearing and alternative dispute resolution procedures
How Long Does Training Take?
Certificate programs for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree typically take 6 to 12 months and cost between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on the school and format. Associate degree programs take about 2 years and generally range from $6,000 to $30,000, providing a broader legal education along with general education coursework. ABA (American Bar Association) approval is a quality marker to look for – ABA-approved programs must meet specific standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and library resources. Some bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies also exist, taking 4 years. Online and hybrid options may reduce costs, though tuition varies widely by institution and region.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required for associate degree programs
- Bachelor’s degree in any field required for post-baccalaureate certificate programs
- Strong reading comprehension and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and organizational ability
- Some programs require a minimum GPA or entrance essay
- Background checks may be required for internship or externship placements
- Basic computer proficiency, including word processing and internet research
Licensing & Certification
Paralegals do not need a state license to practice in most states. However, voluntary national certifications can enhance your credentials and job prospects. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential, which requires passing an exam covering legal research, ethics, civil litigation, and substantive law. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential. NALA also offers Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) specialty credentials in areas like discovery, contracts, and trial practice. Some states use the title “registered paralegal” with specific requirements.
Career Outlook & Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $60,970 for paralegals and legal assistants, with the top 10% earning over $91,450 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment of paralegals is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 32,600 openings per year, driven by both growth and the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Paralegals who hold certifications, specialize in high-demand practice areas like litigation support or corporate compliance, or gain proficiency with e-discovery technology tend to command higher salaries. The mean annual wage across all paralegals is $67,067, reflecting higher earnings at large law firms and in metropolitan areas.
Where You’ll Work
Most paralegals work in law firms, from small practices to large corporate firms. Government agencies at the federal, state, and local level also employ significant numbers of paralegals, particularly in prosecutor and public defender offices. Corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate firms, and nonprofit organizations hire paralegals as well. Some paralegals work for legal aid societies or court systems. The work is primarily office-based, though litigation paralegals may travel for depositions, document reviews, or court appearances.
Online vs In-Person Options
Paralegal training translates well to online formats, and many ABA-approved programs offer fully online or hybrid options. Legal research, writing, and case analysis can all be taught effectively through virtual classrooms and online legal databases. Some programs include an in-person internship or externship component at a law firm, court, or legal aid office, which provides valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities. Online programs offer flexibility for working adults, while in-person programs may provide more direct access to local legal professionals and court systems.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Paralegal by state
Paralegal Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $46,060 | $73,300 |
| Alaska | $61,120 | $95,410 |
| Arizona | $61,220 | $97,070 |
| Arkansas | $46,940 | $77,330 |
| California | $72,960 | $105,350 |
| Colorado | $73,380 | $106,080 |
| Connecticut | $63,260 | $95,220 |
| Delaware | $60,000 | $97,800 |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | $128,100 |
| Florida | $60,280 | $82,450 |
| Georgia | $55,120 | $92,500 |
| Hawaii | $60,890 | $83,890 |
| Idaho | $54,020 | $74,610 |
| Illinois | $62,290 | $102,270 |
| Indiana | $50,690 | $93,930 |
| Iowa | $53,280 | $78,640 |
| Kansas | $48,910 | $80,240 |
| Kentucky | $49,000 | $77,800 |
| Louisiana | $47,580 | $77,200 |
| Maine | $58,510 | $78,000 |
| Maryland | $63,560 | $99,520 |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | $107,650 |
| Michigan | $61,490 | $88,000 |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | $98,480 |
| Mississippi | $39,120 | $67,620 |
| Missouri | $58,730 | $84,610 |
| Montana | $54,230 | $76,700 |
| Nebraska | $61,410 | $88,540 |
| Nevada | $62,090 | $78,760 |
| New Hampshire | $60,640 | $87,260 |
| New Jersey | $62,790 | $98,360 |
| New Mexico | $56,620 | $77,570 |
| New York | $66,390 | $105,910 |
| North Carolina | $49,390 | $82,380 |
| North Dakota | $59,910 | $77,160 |
| Ohio | $58,870 | $83,530 |
| Oklahoma | $50,200 | $78,950 |
| Oregon | $63,970 | $99,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,950 | $94,990 |
| Rhode Island | $54,540 | $81,880 |
| South Carolina | $48,640 | $67,950 |
| South Dakota | $57,300 | $84,150 |
| Tennessee | $55,270 | $76,510 |
| Texas | $59,700 | $96,530 |
| Utah | $55,630 | $87,900 |
| Vermont | $63,000 | $79,440 |
| Virginia | $61,200 | $97,520 |
| Washington | $78,010 | $115,120 |
| West Virginia | $49,620 | $87,050 |
| Wisconsin | $56,520 | $81,910 |
| Wyoming | $49,980 | $72,800 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Paralegal careers span a wide range of practice areas, from family law and criminal defense to corporate governance and intellectual property. Many paralegals begin in general litigation support and gradually specialize as they gain experience. Advancement opportunities include senior paralegal roles, paralegal manager positions, and transitions into compliance, legal operations, or law firm administration. Some paralegals use their experience as a springboard to law school, while others build long, rewarding careers in the paralegal profession itself. For a deeper look at day-to-day responsibilities, salary expectations by specialization, and advancement paths, see our full career guide.
FAQs
What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but paralegals typically perform more substantive legal work such as research, drafting documents, and case analysis under attorney supervision. Legal assistants may focus more on administrative tasks like scheduling, filing, and client intake. In practice, the distinction varies by employer, and many job postings use both titles for similar roles.
Should I choose an ABA-approved paralegal program?
ABA approval is not legally required, but it is the most widely recognized quality standard for paralegal education. ABA-approved programs must meet specific requirements for curriculum content, faculty credentials, and student resources. Many employers prefer or require candidates from ABA-approved programs, and the CP exam from NALA is available to graduates of ABA-approved programs regardless of degree level.
Can a paralegal become a lawyer?
A paralegal credential does not substitute for a law degree, but paralegal experience is excellent preparation for law school. Many paralegals who pursue a J.D. find that their practical understanding of legal procedures, research skills, and familiarity with law firm operations give them a significant advantage. Some paralegals decide they prefer the paralegal role and continue advancing in that career path instead.
What are the highest-paying paralegal specializations?
Paralegals working in corporate law, intellectual property, and complex litigation tend to earn above-average salaries, particularly at large law firms in major metropolitan areas. E-discovery specialists who manage large-scale electronic document reviews are also in high demand. The top 10% of paralegals earn more than $91,450 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), and specialization combined with certification can help you reach that range.
How long does it take to become a Certified Paralegal?
The NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam is available to graduates of ABA-approved programs, those with a combination of education and work experience, or those who hold a bachelor’s degree plus a paralegal certificate. Most candidates spend several weeks to a few months studying for the exam after completing their education. The exam itself covers legal research, ethics, civil litigation, and substantive law topics.
Do paralegals work long hours?
Work hours depend on the practice area and employer. Paralegals in litigation may work extended hours during trial preparation or discovery deadlines, while those in corporate or government settings often maintain more predictable schedules. Most paralegals work full time, and overtime is common at firms handling time-sensitive cases. The tradeoff is that paralegal roles typically offer better work-life balance than attorney positions.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Paralegal Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.