Paralegals assist lawyers by doing legal research, investigating facts and preparing legal documents. As of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,320 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Alabama. Of these, 10 percent earned $27,650 or less, which tends to represent starting salaries for new paralegals in Alabama.
Salary by City
The city that employed the most paralegals (1,100) was Birmingham-Hoover, where 10 percent earned $34,090 or less. The 10th percentile salaries in other cities included Gadsden, at $28,410; Huntsville, at $22,830; Mobile, at $31,890; Montgomery, at $23,410; and Tuscaloosa, at $26,620.
Non-Metropolitan Salaries
The 10th percentile salaries in non-metropolitan areas were Northwest Alabama, at $26,580; Northeast Alabama, at $20,690; and Southwest Alabama, at $29,370.
Median Salaries
Compared to the 10th percentile salary, the median annual salary for paralegals in Alabama was $43,650, with 50 percent earning between $33,930 and $51,800. Alabama salaries are lower than the national median annual salary of $46,980.
Considerations
The most common way to become a paralegal is by completing a community college paralegal program that grants an associate degree. Someone who already has a college degree can earn a certificate in paralegal studies. A few schools offer bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job. According to the American Bar Association, as of February 2011, Alabama has six ABA-approved paralegal programs: Auburn University at Montgomery, Community College of the Air Force, Faulkner University, Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden Samford University and South University.
Tags: 10th percentile, 10th percentile salaries, annual salary, Community College, earned less, median annual, median annual salary
