Texas Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
There are no statewide requirements to become a paralegal in Texas. However, most entry-level paralegal positions require an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Our guide will answer your questions about how to become a paralegal in Texas with certification opportunities, job and salary outlook, and career resources. Start your journey to a paralegal career using the easy-to-navigate directory below.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Texas
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Texas
Texas has no mandatory certification requirements for paralegals. As a result, aspiring paralegals have multiple pathways to start their careers. Most paralegals in Texas possess a combination of education, experience (which may include internships), and on-the-job training. Below are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Texas:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
There are many Texas paralegal schools that offer paralegal certification programs, culminating in certificates in legal studies, paralegal associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. Currently, there are 14 Texas paralegal programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Real-world experience and on-the-job training, often offered through paralegal degree programs, can significantly enhance your hiring potential. Some paralegals begin their careers as legal document preparers or legal secretaries, working their way up the career ladder.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Texas does not mandate certification for paralegals but obtaining voluntary certification can give candidates broader job opportunities. Read more about Texas certification below.
Paralegal Certification in Texas
Texas defines a paralegal as someone who is qualified through education, work experience, or a combination of both, and serves under the direct supervision and direction of a licensed attorney. Like most states, Texas does not require statewide paralegal certification. Upon graduation from one of the paralegal schools in Texas, prospective paralegals are also encouraged to seek voluntary national certification through organizations such as 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). Although national certification is not mandatory, paralegals who earn certification from these organizations demonstrate a commitment to professional standards of excellence.
Aspiring paralegals and legal assistants are encouraged to explore the Texas paralegal associations listed below. For more information on how to become a paralegal, including further information on national certification, see our Paralegal411 guide How to Become a Paralegal.
Texas Certification
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) offers voluntary paralegal certification in seven practice areas: bankruptcy, civil trial, criminal, estate planning and probate, family, oil, gas, and mineral, personal injury trial, and real estate. Exams for certification are administered once a year and are expected to take a full day. In addition to passing the exam, the TBLS requires:
- At least five years of paralegal experience under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney in Texas
- An assessment of the paralegal’s experience and duties showing at least 50% of their time is devoted to the practice area
- A minimum of 30 hours of course credit in a specialized practice area
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher, completion of an accredited paralegal program, or two additional years of paralegal work experience
With fewer than 400 TBLS-certified paralegals in Texas, earning this prestigious certification can help distinguish paralegals from their peers. You can read more about TBLS Paralegal Board Certification on their TBLS website.
Texas Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
19.2%
Paralegals in Texas from 2022-20322
There are an estimated 28,140 paralegal and legal assistants employed in the state of Texas, earning an average annual salary of $63,720.3 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas had the fourth-highest employment level for the profession in the US.3 The Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas had the eighth- and ninth-highest employment levels for paralegals in the US.3
According to Projections Central, a 4.2% increase in employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected nationwide.2 In comparison, Texas is expected to see a significantly higher growth rate of 19.2% during the same period.2
Texas Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
---|---|---|
Statewide | 28,140 | $63,720 |
Austin-Round Rock | 3,470 | $72,620 |
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 8,160 | $66,580 |
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | 7,770 | $63,640 |
San Antonio-New Braunfels | 2,070 | $61,290 |
Paralegal Employers in Texas
There are many opportunities to find paralegal jobs in Texas at firms, corporations, and government agencies. Newly certified paralegals in Texas can also explore job opportunities within regional, state, and local government agencies. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Texas or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Texas with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Baker Botts
- BAL
- Fragomen
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- Thomas J. Henry Rogers Law
- Thomson, Coe, Cousins & Irons L.L.P.
- US Army
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Texas with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Texas
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.
- Bell County Bar Association Paralegals (BCBA): Provides paralegals and legal support staff in Bell county and surrounding areas with networking, continuing education, and public service opportunities.
- Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA): Provides members with employment assistance through its freelance directory, a job bank, and networking opportunities while promoting pro bono work and community service.
- Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA): Promotes the paralegal profession through continuing legal education, professional development, and relationships with local, state, and national bar associations.
- Denton County Paralegal Association (DCPA): Advocates for the advancement of the paralegal profession through social, luncheons, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
- El Paso Paralegal Association (ELPA): Promotes the professional development of paralegals through a shared job bank, continuing education, and reimbursement awards for eligible paralegal certifications.
- Houston Paralegal Association (HPA): Provides education and professional development for paralegals to advance the legal profession through regular events, networking opportunities, and charity objectives.
- North Texas Paralegal Association (NTPA): Provides members access to monthly continuing legal education seminars, networking events, and other professional development opportunities.
- San Antonio Paralegal Association (SAPA): Seeks to assist members with career development in all legal specialty areas through networking and certification opportunities.
- Southeast Texas Association of Paralegals (SETAP): Hosts speaker meetings and professional development seminars and provides members with access to a shared job bank.
- West Texas Paralegal Association (WTPA): Provides members with networking and volunteer opportunities.
Additional Resources
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Openings for paralegals and legal support professionals.
- State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division: Encourages students, entry-level paralegals, and established professionals through continuing education seminars, message boards, a job bank, and professional development tools.
- Texas Judicial Branch: The definitive source for case law, court forms, and other essential information for paralegals in Texas.
- Texas State Law Library: Public law library that serves the state courts and other agencies, and provides an expansive print and digital collection to members.
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