Average Salary Paralegal in Washington, DC

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 Washington, DC

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 Washington, DC. 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 Washington, DC?

Pursuing a paralegal career in Washington, D.C., involves several essential steps. Here's how to get started:

1. 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.
2. Education and Training: While Washington, D.C., does not have specific licensing requirements for paralegals, most employers prefer candidates with formal education in paralegal studies. Enroll in a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or one that meets industry standards. Options include certificate programs for those with prior degrees or associate and bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies.
3. Gain Relevant Skills: Develop key skills such as legal research, writing, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal software. Many educational programs also include internships that provide hands-on experience and help build your resume.
4. Consider Certification: Though not mandatory, obtaining a recognized certification can enhance your employability. Certifications like the Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) are highly regarded. In Washington, D.C., where the legal field is highly competitive, these credentials can set you apart.
5. Network and Gain Experience: Washington, D.C., has a robust legal community with opportunities to network and gain experience. Join professional organizations such as the National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA) and attend legal seminars, workshops, and networking events to connect with industry professionals.
6. Apply for Paralegal Jobs: Once you’ve completed your education and gained experience, begin applying for paralegal positions. Highlight your skills, certifications, and relevant experience in your resume.

By following these steps and staying committed to ongoing professional development, you can build a successful paralegal career in Washington, D.C., a city at the heart of the nation's legal and political landscape.

How to hire a Paralegal in Washington, DC?

Hiring a paralegal in the District of Columbia 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:

1. 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 Washington, D.C., certifications from organizations like NALA or NFPA can be a plus. Many paralegals also have a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.