What Is the Income of a Paralegal?

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, are members of one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over a period of ten years and up until 2016, paralegal jobs will increase by up to 86 percent and salaries will increase at least 15 percent, which is ten times more than most professions.

Time Frame

Paralegals who are just out of school can expect a median salary of $33,810 according to the Occupational Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Salaries do go up with years of experience, more noticeably after the five-year period mark, where workers can expect to get close to $40,000.

Identification

Most paralegals work in private firms or legal practices, which is, surprisingly, the sector that pays the least. According to PayScale.com, those working in that kind of setting should expect an average annual salary of $38,654. The highest salaries are made by those working directly for the Federal Government, with salaries reaching an average of $45,917. Paralegals working for school districts, non-profit organizations or under team contracts earn somewhere in between.

Types

Paralegals work in a variety of environments, but most specialize in one specific practice area. The area of litigations and appeals and the area of mergers and acquisitions pay best, with salaries reaching an average of over $41,000. Family law and trust and states are on the lower range, with salaries as low as $35,629 for the home and family group. Other well-paid areas are real estate and construction and personal injury.

Geography

One of the most significant factors affecting the earnings of a paralegal is location. Those situated in large cities earn significantly more than those in smaller urban areas. Large metropolitan areas, such as New York City are the top of the spectrum, with salaries averaging $49,547. The size of the city has actually more influence on the average salary than the state economic situation. This means that states that usually have lower salaries overall, such as North Carolina and Georgia, still have high median earnings for paralegals, with totals of $38,800 and $41,849 respectively.

Expert Insight

Even recent graduates and those earning on the lower end of the spectrum can expect a full set of benefits in addition to their salaries. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over 85 percent of paralegals received full benefits, including paid sick leave, vacation, medical and dental insurance, and retirement plan payments. These benefits did not change, no matter the level of earnings or the number of years of experience, but it did change based on geographical location, as those in large cities were more likely to receive them.