The demand for paralegals is expected to strongly increase over the next decade, with the higher paying positions remaining competitive to acquire. Law firms are hiring more paralegals to free up lawyers time and many companies are creating internal legal departments to lower costs.
Wages for paralegals is very good. The median annual pay rate is $37,950 and the high and low range of the scale is $24,470 at the low end and $61,150 at the high end.
Advancement in this career usually takes the form of increased compensation. Management of the research staff, or clerical and paralegal department is another opportunity for advancement. Many paralegals also seek a law degree, using their experience and contacts to give them an advantage. Paralegals who specialize in real estate may transfer into the title business as an examiner or escrow officer.
