Nebraska Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
While certification is not required to become a paralegal in Nebraska, voluntary certification is available through national organizations. 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. 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.
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, candidates can follow several career paths. Completing a paralegal studies program is a common first step toward entering the profession. Experience, including internships completed in school, can also add to candidates’ credentials. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Nebraska:
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 in legal studies, paralegal associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. There are numerous paralegal schools in Nebraska, and the American Bar Association (ABA) has approved two of these paralegal programs.1
2. Gain experience.
Many employers prefer to hire applicants with 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 to make job searching easier. Some paralegals start in positions like legal secretaries at law firms and move up the career ladder as they earn experience.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Though Nebraska paralegal certification is not a requirement, it is encouraged for paralegals who wish to stand out from the competition. Gaining national certification can give you 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. Nebraska does not regulate the paralegal profession, so there are no certification, 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 that are generally revered in the legal community. Our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal provides more information on national certification options.
Nebraska Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
5.6%
Paralegals in Nebraska from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 2,020 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Nebraska, with an average annual salary of $60,580.3 Projections Central estimates 5.6% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Nebraska, higher than the nationwide growth projected of 4.2% during the same period.2
Nebraska Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 1,420 | $60,580 |
| Grand Island | 40 | $50,300 |
| Lincoln | 370 | $58,340 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs NE-IA | 730 | $65,000 |
| Sioux City IA-NE-SD | 100 | $57,200 |
Paralegal Employers in Nebraska
Law firms are currently the primary employers of paralegal labor nationwide. Corporate and government legal departments also rely on paralegal labor. Individuals interested in litigation and public policy are encouraged to look into Nebraska paralegal jobs in local, state, and federal government agencies.
LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Nebraska or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Nebraska with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Fraser Stryker PC LLO
- Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O.
- Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP
- Legal Aid of Nebraska
- Mutual of Omaha
- State of Nebraska
- Union Pacific Railroad
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Nebraska with professional development, networking, and career growth.
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, 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