4 answers
Demetra
Student
6
Questions
Asked
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What is the starting salary for a paralegal?
My mother is a paralegal and I find it super fascinating. She is a medical paralegal but I would love to be a criminal law paralegal. I love learning about the law so I think that being a criminal law paralegal would be great.
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4 answers
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
94
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
The starting salary for a paralegal in the United States can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and firm size. Here are some key points:
The average starting salary for a paralegal ranges from $33,000 to $67,500. However, the lower end of that spectrum represents the 10th percentile of annual income for a paralegal.
Paralegals with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $40,500, while those with more than 25 years of experience can earn over $65,000.
The size of the firm also plays a role: paralegals working for larger firms tend to earn more than those working for smaller ones.
On average, the annual salary for paralegals falls between $46,712 and $49,9431.
Remember that these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances. If you’re considering a career as a paralegal, it’s essential to research specific salaries in your area and take into account other factors like education and experience2.
The average starting salary for a paralegal ranges from $33,000 to $67,500. However, the lower end of that spectrum represents the 10th percentile of annual income for a paralegal.
Paralegals with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $40,500, while those with more than 25 years of experience can earn over $65,000.
The size of the firm also plays a role: paralegals working for larger firms tend to earn more than those working for smaller ones.
On average, the annual salary for paralegals falls between $46,712 and $49,9431.
Remember that these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances. If you’re considering a career as a paralegal, it’s essential to research specific salaries in your area and take into account other factors like education and experience2.
Maureen Merriles
6
Answers
Brea, California
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hi there, Demetra!
As both Patrick and Dennis said, salaries will differ greatly depending upon where you live and which area of law you end up specializing in. I would strongly suggest that wherever you get your schooling to become a paralegal, that it's in an ABA (American Bar Association) accredited program. I found that while I took my various courses, I was most interested in family law, however, that area paid the least. Criminal law paralegals also didn't get paid as much as, say, corporate paralegals -- at least they didn't 30 years ago. :) You will end up taking various courses dealing w/various different areas of law and you'll get a better idea of what feels most interesting and resonates with you then. You can also try to work at a law firm as a clerk or receptionist while you're still in school and you'll both then have a foot in the door when you graduate AND you'll get to see if the area(s) of law they practice is something you find interesting.
I hope that helps a bit! Wishing you all the best for your future! :D
As both Patrick and Dennis said, salaries will differ greatly depending upon where you live and which area of law you end up specializing in. I would strongly suggest that wherever you get your schooling to become a paralegal, that it's in an ABA (American Bar Association) accredited program. I found that while I took my various courses, I was most interested in family law, however, that area paid the least. Criminal law paralegals also didn't get paid as much as, say, corporate paralegals -- at least they didn't 30 years ago. :) You will end up taking various courses dealing w/various different areas of law and you'll get a better idea of what feels most interesting and resonates with you then. You can also try to work at a law firm as a clerk or receptionist while you're still in school and you'll both then have a foot in the door when you graduate AND you'll get to see if the area(s) of law they practice is something you find interesting.
I hope that helps a bit! Wishing you all the best for your future! :D
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
The salary for a beginner paralegal depends on things like where you live, your education, your experience, and who you work for. Usually, new paralegals in the U.S. earn between $35,000 and $50,000 a year. This could be more in cities where it costs more to live or in jobs that need special skills.
It's also important to remember that how much a paralegal makes can change a lot depending on what kind of law they work in. For example, paralegals in popular fields like business law, copyright law, or health law might make more money than those in less specialized fields. Also, paralegals who work for big law firms, the government, or big companies usually make more than those who work for small law firms or charities.
Since you're interested in being a criminal law paralegal, you should think about how much they make compared to other types of paralegals. Even though criminal law paralegals are really important in helping lawyers with criminal cases, how much they make can change based on things like where they work, how big the law firm or organization is, and how much experience and skills they need for the job.
But remember, how much money you make isn't the only thing that matters when you're choosing a job. A lot of people choose to work in law because they want to help people and make a difference. You said that you're really interested in law and especially criminal law, which can be very rewarding and interesting.
Before you decide to become a criminal law paralegal, it would be a good idea to look into what the job market and salaries are like where you want to work. You could also talk to people who work in the field, like your mom, to learn more about their experiences and what they think about salaries and opportunities for career growth. You should also look into what kind of education and certifications you might need to be a successful criminal law paralegal.
In the end, while how much money you make is important, it's also really important to choose a career that you're interested in and that fits with your values and goals. If you work hard, keep learning, and stay committed to being the best you can be, you can have a successful and rewarding career as a criminal law paralegal.
It's also important to remember that how much a paralegal makes can change a lot depending on what kind of law they work in. For example, paralegals in popular fields like business law, copyright law, or health law might make more money than those in less specialized fields. Also, paralegals who work for big law firms, the government, or big companies usually make more than those who work for small law firms or charities.
Since you're interested in being a criminal law paralegal, you should think about how much they make compared to other types of paralegals. Even though criminal law paralegals are really important in helping lawyers with criminal cases, how much they make can change based on things like where they work, how big the law firm or organization is, and how much experience and skills they need for the job.
But remember, how much money you make isn't the only thing that matters when you're choosing a job. A lot of people choose to work in law because they want to help people and make a difference. You said that you're really interested in law and especially criminal law, which can be very rewarding and interesting.
Before you decide to become a criminal law paralegal, it would be a good idea to look into what the job market and salaries are like where you want to work. You could also talk to people who work in the field, like your mom, to learn more about their experiences and what they think about salaries and opportunities for career growth. You should also look into what kind of education and certifications you might need to be a successful criminal law paralegal.
In the end, while how much money you make is important, it's also really important to choose a career that you're interested in and that fits with your values and goals. If you work hard, keep learning, and stay committed to being the best you can be, you can have a successful and rewarding career as a criminal law paralegal.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
134
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Demetra: In answer to both your questions...the starting salary of a paralegal depends on where you live. Paralegals in bigger cities tend to get more. It's a supply and demand thing. Some people like your Mom are in a great position since they know medicine and law so their salary is higher.
As to criminal law paralegal, any major will do. Most important, enjoy what you do. Criminal law can be tough. There are usually a lot of sad stories. As a criminal law paralegal it is possible to work for either the District Attorney or US Attorney prosecuting criminals. Their salaries are pretty set. Defense Attorneys represent the criminal. Generally they do not get paid as well - depending on the practice of the lawyer.
Good luck!
As to criminal law paralegal, any major will do. Most important, enjoy what you do. Criminal law can be tough. There are usually a lot of sad stories. As a criminal law paralegal it is possible to work for either the District Attorney or US Attorney prosecuting criminals. Their salaries are pretty set. Defense Attorneys represent the criminal. Generally they do not get paid as well - depending on the practice of the lawyer.
Good luck!