Opportunities for Paralegal School Grads Across the U.S.
Search for the city or state that resonates with you to find paralegal schools and careers.
Paralegal USA: Find Paralegal Schools Near You
Paralegals belong to one of the most in-demand careers in today's job market. And paralegal schools are your direct route to a job in the legal industry.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of paralegals will grow 28 percent through 2018, much faster than average for all occupations. And students who have gone to one of the many convenient paralegal schools can find promising job opportunities across the country, from New York to California.
School and Career Opportunities
Depending on where you work, your job responsibilities may cover many different legal specialties or you might specialize in one area of the law.
After you graduate from paralegal school, you'll find that some specializations are more common than others. Many paralegals practice in one of these areas:
Along with strong job growth, the paralegal profession delivers some exciting rewards, including job flexibility and diverse career paths: work for a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency. Depending on where you work, your job responsibilities may cover many different legal specialties or you might specialize in one or two areas of law.
Paralegal Schools Promise a Flexible Future
One of the biggest advantages of becoming a paralegal is that you can earn your credentials in two years or less. In other words, you can start receiving a paycheck sooner than you think.
If you already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in another area, you can enroll in a paralegal certificate program, which can take as little as six months to complete. For working adults looking to change careers, earning a paralegal certificate can provide a short route to solid job opportunities, whether in their own town or in a city where they have always wanted to live.
Recent high school graduates or individuals without a degree who want to improve their job and salary prospects can start their careers with either an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies.
Paralegal Salaries
The BLS reports that paralegals earned a median annual salary of $46,730 in 2011, with the highest 10 percent earning over $75,000. Salaries vary based on employer type, size of law firm and geographic location. According to the BLS, states that pay paralegals the highest wages are:
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Texas
- North Carolina.
Learn about being a paralegal across the U.S., from New York to California, and Minnesota to Florida.