What are Paralegals Salaries?
Paralegal salaries vary. Salaries depend on the education and experience the paralegal brings to the job, the type of employer, and the geographic location of the job. Generally, paralegals working for large law firms in metropolitan areas earn more than paralegals working for smaller firms or in less populated areas. The NFPA®’s 2001 Paralegal Compensation and Benefits Report reveals a high salary of $114,000. The average salary nationwide is $41,742. Of those paralegals just starting their paralegal career, 28% begin with a salary greater than $32,000. In addition to a salary, 65% of paralegals receive an annual bonus, which averages $2,468. Employers of the majority of paralegals provide life and health insurance benefits and pay the paralegal’s professional dues. As the quality of paralegal education programs continues to improve and employers continue to require formal training, the salaries of paralegals should continue to increase.
