Nebraska Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Our guide is designed to provide the answers to the most common questions about how to become a paralegal in Nebraska. Most prospective paralegals complete a paralegal studies program at a school in Nebraska and gain work experience to be more competitive in the job market. Certification is not required to become a paralegal in Nebraska, although voluntary certification is available through national organizations. On this page, you will find in-depth information on paralegal salary, job outlook, and career resources to help you prepare for a paralegal career in the state. Begin your career exploration using the easy-to-navigate directory below.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Nebraska
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Nebraska
As Nebraska paralegal certification is not required at the state level, there are several career paths that candidates can follow. Completing a paralegal studies program is a common first step towards entering the profession. Voluntary national certification is also strongly recommended, which typically requires that candidates complete an education program in paralegal studies. Experience, including internships completed while in school, can also add to candidates’ credentials.
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
The majority of employers prefer candidates who have completed some formal training, such as that offered by one of the paralegal schools in Nebraska, including certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. There are numerous paralegal schools in Nebraska and the American Bar Association (ABA) has currently approved two of these paralegal programs.1
2. Gain experience.
Many employers prefer to hire applicants with some form of on-the-job training or experience. Paralegal studies programs may offer internships or other programs for academic credit that expose students to the typical responsibilities of a paralegal. Work experience programs may also be available through law firms, corporations, or in government settings. These experiences can help you build a professional network that will make job searching easier.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Though Nebraska paralegal certification is not a requirement, upon completion of a paralegal degree program individuals are encouraged to pursue national certification. Certification can give an edge when looking for paralegal jobs.
Paralegal Certification in Nebraska
In Nebraska, as in nearly all other US states, paralegals and legal assistants are categorized as paraprofessionals who are only permitted to complete law-related tasks under the supervision of a qualified attorney. State law does not include any requirements for Nebraska paralegal certification, nor are there education or training minimums for paralegals in the state. National certification is available to individuals who have completed a paralegal studies program through organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); or the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). These organizations offer certification and continuing education programs which are generally accepted in the legal community. Our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal provides more information on national certification options.
Nebraska Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Law firms are currently the primary employers of paralegal labor nationwide. Large regional or national law firms tend to heavily rely on paralegal support and may provide fitting Nebraska paralegal job opportunities for those wishing to specialize in a specific practice area. Kutak Rock LLP is a large national firm based in Omaha with numerous offices across the country. The firm practices in many areas of law, such as finance, litigation, and healthcare. Another large Omaha law firm is McGrath North, a full-service firm that develops area-focused workgroups of paralegals and attorneys that specialize in industries such as hospitality, insurance, and technology.
Corporate and government legal departments also rely on paralegal labor. Large corporations based in Nebraska include Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, and Cabela’s. Medium-sized corporations may also be good starting points for recently graduated paralegals to gain experience. Individuals interested in litigation and public policy are encouraged to look into Nebraska paralegal jobs in government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Nebraska or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities and also companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Nebraska with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O.
- Legal Aid of Nebraska
- Mutual of Omaha
- State of Nebraska
- Union Pacific Railroad
- United States Air Force
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Nebraska Paralegal Salary Information
Projected Job Growth
13.1%
Paralegals in Nebraska from 2018-20282
In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 2,020 paralegals and legal assistants employed throughout Nebraska.3 The paralegal occupation is expected to undergo expansion as law firms and corporations seek to minimize the cost of legal services, expanding the paralegal role and driving an increase in the number of positions nationwide. Projections Central estimates 13.1% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Nebraska from 2018 to 2028, slightly higher than the nationwide growth projected of 12% during the same time period.2 The projected growth rate is reflective of the trends referenced above and suggests that the job market for paralegals and legal assistants will continue to be favorable in the coming years.
The average Nebraska paralegal salary was reported at $55,290 in 2020.3 While this is a bit lower than the national average paralegal salary of $56,610, the difference is likely due in part to the lower cost of living in Nebraska.3 In addition, average annual salaries for paralegals in Nebraska vary widely depending on geographic location. Those working in the Omaha metro area earn an average salary of $59,220, which is above the national average..4 As the prominence of paralegals and legal assistants grows within the legal community, the average paralegal salary in Nebraska can be expected to increase proportionally. Favorable trends in employment opportunity and compensation growth suggest that the job and salary outlook for paralegals and legal assistants in Nebraska will continue to be positive throughout the coming years. Those with paralegal education, work experience, and voluntary certification may be better positioned to earn higher salaries. Estimates are based on national data, not school-specific information; data accessed in December 2021.
Nebraska Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Island | 40 | $49,300 |
| Lincoln | 510 | $53,840 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs NE-IA | 1,270 | $59,220 |
| Sioux City IA-NE-SD | 80 | $45,590 |
Paralegal Resources
Paralegal Associations in Nebraska
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.
- Nebraska Paralegal Association (NePA): Holds regular meetings and seminars in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas to provide continuing education and networking opportunities.
- Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA): A professional organization representing lawyers and nonlegal assistants offering training, ethics resources, and a job board.
Additional Resources
- Creighton University School of Law Klutznick Law Library/McGrath North Mullin & Kratz Legal Research Center: Houses a large collection of print volumes and extensive electronic resources covering Nebraska state law, US, and international law.
- Nebraska State Library: Holds over 130,000 volumes, with thousands of titles relating to state and federal law, that can be viewed onsite, online, or ordered through the copy service.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To search for paralegal openings in Nebraska, visit our jobs board.
- State of Nebraska Judicial Branch: Provides links to the state Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals, as well as information concerning the lower courts, such as court forms and rules, e-filing systems and legal research resources.
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: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm