logo

Idaho Paralegal Career and Salary Guide

Although there are no statewide requirements for becoming a paralegal in Idaho, many positions in the field require an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. In our overview, you will find detailed information on how to become a paralegal in Idaho, certification options, Idaho paralegal salaries, job outlook, and career resources to help you launch your career as a paralegal in the state.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Paralegal in Idaho

Because there are no formal requirements to become a paralegal in Idaho, aspiring paralegals have various pathways to start their careers. Most working paralegals possess a combination of education and experience. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Idaho:

1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

Paralegals and legal assistants typically complete one of the many paralegal programs in Idaho to gain a paralegal certificate, an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a paralegal bachelor’s degree. No paralegal programs in the state are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1

2. Gain experience.

Some paralegals begin their careers as legal document preparers or legal secretaries, and work their way up the career ladder. Many paralegal programs in Idaho offer on-the-job training opportunities, such as internships or job shadowing. Gaining real-world experience in the paralegal field can give candidates a competitive advantage. Law firms, government agencies, and corporate in-house legal offices may also offer internship experiences for paralegal candidates.

3. Seek certification, if desired.

Professional paralegal certification at the state or national level is a great way to become more competitive in the job market and can lead to higher salaries. Certification is voluntary in Idaho, but employers seeking knowledgeable and committed paralegal candidates may prefer those with paralegal credentials.


Search Paralegal Programs

Get information on Paralegal programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Paralegal Certification in Idaho

Though there is no statewide requirement for Idaho paralegal certification, there are voluntary certification programs that can benefit paralegal candidates. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); and the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI) offer voluntary certification programs that are widely recognized by the industry as preparing candidates for professional excellence. Voluntary certification from these associations is highly recommended, as it can make candidates more appealing to potential employers. A combination of general education, paralegal education, and experience in the paralegal field fulfills the educational requirements for the certification examinations offered by these organizations. Our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal provides additional information on national certification options. Prospective paralegals are also encouraged to consult with and seek membership in the Idaho paralegal associations listed below.

Idaho Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook

Projected Job Growth

11.3%

Paralegals in Idaho from 2022-20322

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 1,720 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Idaho, with an average annual salary of $52,980.3 Projections Central estimates an 11.3% growth in Idaho paralegal jobs, much higher than the national paralegal job projection of 4.2% over the same period.2 This growth equates to 1,670 new paralegal jobs in the state over the 10-year period, and an average of 180 annual job openings.2

Idaho Paralegal Salary by Metro Area

Metro AreaNumber Employed4Average Annual Salary4
Statewide1,720$52,980
Boise City990$55,280
Coeur d’Alene190$56,480
Idaho Falls160$48,000

Paralegal Employers in Idaho

While many paralegals in Idaho are employed by banks and corporate legal departments, the majority work for law firms. Government agencies are also good starting points for entry-level professionals seeking paralegal jobs in Idaho. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Idaho or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Idaho with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:

  • Boise State University
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
  • Givens Pursley LLP
  • Hawley Troxell
  • Kootenai Health
  • Micron Technology
  • St. Luke’s Health System
  • State of Idaho

For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.

Paralegal Resources

Here are some resources to help paralegals in Idaho with professional development, networking, and career growth.

Paralegal Associations in Idaho

These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.

  • Idaho Association of Paralegals (IAP): Seeks to promote professional development for paralegals throughout the state and provide networking opportunities, sponsor continuing legal education, and encourage high ethics for its membership.
  • Idaho State Bar: Controls and regulates the legal profession throughout the state and serves as a comprehensive resource for legal professionals in Idaho, with a jobs board for paralegals who are searching for employment.

Additional Resources

  • Idaho Judicial Branch: The official website for Idaho that provides links to trial courts throughout the state.
  • Idaho State Law Library: Provides the general public and legal professionals access to print and electronic legal resources to increase the public’s understanding of Idaho law and give legal professionals reliable research sources.
  • Idaho State University Arthur P. Oliver Law Library: Based on the main campus in Pocatello, the Arthur P. Oliver Law Library is open to legal professionals and the general public.
  • Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Search for Idaho paralegal jobs on our jobs board.

References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm