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 Tampa, FL
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 Tampa, FL. 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 Tampa, FL?
Becoming a paralegal in Tampa, Florida, involves several steps to prepare for a fulfilling legal career. Here’s a quick guide:
- Understand the Role: Begin by being acquainted with the duties of a paralegal. You can decide if this is the perfect career path for you by learning about the job's duties.
- Education and Training: The majority of companies prefer formal schooling, even though paralegals in Florida are not required to hold a license. Enroll in an associate's, bachelor's, or certificate program in paralegal studies—ideally one that has been approved by the American Bar Association.
- Gain Relevant Skills: Prioritize honing critical abilities such as legal research, drafting, meticulousness, and legal software expertise. Numerous programs provide practical internships, which can be quite beneficial when beginning a job.
- Get Certified: While it's not required in Florida, getting certified can help you land a better job. The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) and the Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) are two well-known certifications. Your qualifications may also be improved by Florida-based certifications, such as the Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation.
- Gain Experience and Network: Tampa offers many chances to get practical experience. To develop your abilities and network, go to legal events, seminars, and workshops. You can also look for internships and entry-level jobs in law firms, government organizations, or corporate legal departments.
- Apply for Paralegal Jobs: Once you’ve completed your education and gained some experience, start applying for paralegal positions. Tailor your resume to highlight your skills, certifications, and any relevant legal experience.
By following these steps and staying committed to your professional growth, you can build a successful career as a paralegal in Tampa, Florida.
How to hire a Paralegal in Tampa, FL?
Hiring a paralegal in Florida 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 Tampa, certifications from organizations like NALA, NFPA, and Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) 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.
