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 Seattle, WA
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 Seattle, WA. 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 Seattle, WA?
Becoming a paralegal in Seattle, Washington, involves a series of steps to ensure you are prepared for a successful career in the legal field. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
- Understand the Role: Start by learning about the duties of a paralegal. By doing this, you will be able to determine whether this is the proper career route for you.
- Education and Training: Although paralegals in Washington are exempt from licensing requirements, the majority of Seattle companies choose applicants with formal schooling. You can sign up for a paralegal studies course, preferably one that has been authorized by the American Bar Association (ABA). If you already have a degree, you can also look into associate's or bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies, or you can pursue certificate programs.
- Gain Relevant Skills: Prioritize developing critical abilities such as drafting, legal research, legal software expertise, and attention to detail.
- Consider Certification: Getting certified can help you get a better job, but it's not necessary in Washington. National certificates such as the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) or the Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) are highly respected.
- Network and Gain Experience: There are many networking possibilities in Seattle's thriving legal community. Attend regional seminars and legal events, or become a member of professional associations such as the Washington State Paralegal Association (WSPA). It's also critical to obtain experience through internships or entry-level positions in legal departments of businesses, government organizations, or law firms.
- Apply for Paralegal Jobs: Apply for paralegal jobs as soon as you've finished your studies and gained experience. Remember to customize your CV by highlighting your training, credentials, and pertinent experience.
By following these steps and staying committed to professional development, you can build a successful career as a paralegal in Seattle, Washington.
How to hire a Paralegal in Seattle, WA?
Hiring a paralegal in Seattle, Washington, 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:
- Determine Your Needs & Understand Local Preferences: Identify the tasks you need a paralegal to handle, such as legal research, drafting documents, or managing client communication. Decide if you need general skills or expertise in areas like corporate or family law. While certification isn’t required in Washington, certifications from organizations like NALA or NFPA, as well as a degree or certificate in paralegal studies, can be strong assets.
- Write a Clear Job Description: Clearly outline the role's responsibilities and required skills, such as legal research, case management, and any specific software knowledge. Mention the level of experience you’re seeking to attract the right candidates.
- Advertise the Position: Post the job on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor, and consider legal-specific job boards like LawJobs. You can also contact staffing agencies that specialize in legal roles for additional support.
- Screen and Interview Candidates: Review resumes to assess relevant experience and certifications. Conduct interviews to evaluate skills and fit, and check references to confirm qualifications and experience.
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.
