Where do Paralegal earn the highest salaries?
The median salary for a Paralegal ranges from $57,000 in Tampa, FL to $88,000 in San Francisco, CA. Besides the location of employees, differences in salaries are often driven by factors such as years of experience, education, and industry.
City | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | Average Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|
San Francisco, CA | $52,000 | $88,000 | $89,321 | $131,600 |
Los Angeles, CA | $52,000 | $72,000 | $74,099 | $109,000 |
Seattle, WA | $45,957 | $70,000 | $71,509 | $107,000 |
San Diego, CA | $50,000 | $70,000 | $68,069 | $84,640 |
Phoenix, AZ | $50,000 | $65,000 | $65,012 | $83,920 |
New York, NY | $41,920 | $65,000 | $62,524 | $80,800 |
Dallas, TX | $40,800 | $65,000 | $63,050 | $90,200 |
Denver, CO | $48,399 | $64,500 | $62,297 | $80,448 |
Common employee benefits for Paralegals in Denver, CO
It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. In addition to a competitive base salary, offering benefits is a great way to attract and retain top Paralegals in Denver, CO. Build the right benefits package for your team with Gusto!
401(k) | Paid Time Off | Work From Home |
401(k) Matching | Paid Sick Time | Flexible Schedule |
Health insurance | Parental Leave | Commuter Benefits |
Dental Insurance | Professional Development | Life Insurance |
How to become a Paralegal in Denver, CO?
Becoming a paralegal in Denver, Colorado, involves several steps to prepare for a fulfilling legal career. Here’s a quick guide:
- Understand the Role: Start by familiarizing yourself with the responsibilities of a paralegal. Knowing what the job entails will help you determine if this is the right career path for you.
- Education and Training: Although Colorado doesn’t require licenses for paralegals, most employers prefer formal education. Enroll in a paralegal program, ideally ABA-approved, such as a certificate program, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
- Gain Relevant Skills: Focus on developing key skills like legal research, drafting, attention to detail, and proficiency with legal software. Many programs include internships that provide hands-on experience, which can be invaluable when starting your career.
- Get Certified: While certification isn't mandatory, it can enhance your qualifications. Look into certifications such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) or the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP). Additionally, consider joining organizations like the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA) to broaden your professional network.
- Gain Experience and Network: There are many ways to gain experience in Denver. You can attend legal events, seminars, and workshops, or pursue internships and entry-level jobs in law firms or corporate legal departments.
- Apply for Paralegal Jobs: Once you have finished your education and gathered some experience, begin applying for paralegal positions. Adjust your resume to highlight your skills, certifications, and any applicable legal experience. Denver is filled with law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, offering a wide array of opportunities.
By following these steps and staying committed to your professional growth, you can build a successful career as a paralegal in Denver, Colorado.
How to hire a Paralegal in Denver, CO?
Hiring a paralegal in Colorado follows a process similar to hiring other professionals, with some specific steps tailored to the legal field. Here's a summary of how to go about it:
- Figure Out What You Need & Know the Legal Requirements: Think about the tasks you want the paralegal to handle (like legal research, drafting documents, client communication), and decide if you need someone with general skills or expertise in a specific area, like family or corporate law. While certification isn’t mandatory in Denver, certifications from organizations like NALA or NFPA can be a plus. Many paralegals also have a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
- Write the Job Description: Be clear about the responsibilities and required skills, such as legal research and case management, and what level of experience you're looking for.
- Post the Job: Use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, or try legal-specific sites like LawJobs. You can also reach out to staffing agencies to help find the right fit.
- Review Candidates: Look through resumes to check for relevant experience and certifications. Then, conduct interviews and check references to confirm qualifications.
Methodology
Gusto salary insights data is derived using Gusto’s real-time payroll data from over 400,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the country.