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Home » Paralegal » Paralegal Salary by State » Texas
Texas has a large and diverse economy, leading to a consistent demand for legal services across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, real estate and technology. Its vibrant and diverse legal community provides paralegals with opportunities to work in different legal settings, from large law firms and corporate legal departments to government agencies and non-profit organizations. This translates into numerous job opportunities for paralegals. Other reasons to consider Texas for a paralegal career are:
- Education and paralegal programs: Texas has several reputable educational institutions offering paralegal studies programs, as well as certification opportunities through organizations like the State Bar of Texas and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
- Cost of living: While salaries are competitive, the cost of living in many parts of Texas is lower than in other major legal markets like New York or California, allowing paralegals to enjoy a higher standard of living.
- Strong state economy: The solid and growing economy in Texas provides a stable and supportive environment for legal professionals, including paralegals, making it an attractive place to work and develop a long-term career.
Let’s look at salaries and education requirements for paralegals in Texas.
In this Article
- Quick view
- Salary statistics
- Factors affecting salaries in Texas
- Education
- Cost of living in Texas
- Professional groups
Quick view
There are 28,140 people employed as a paralegal in Texas says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes Texas the fourth highest employer of paralegals in the U.S. and amounts to over two people being a paralegal for every 1,000 people who live in the state, which is impressive considering Texas’ size. The median wage per hour is $28 and the forecasted job growth for paralegals in the coming decade is 4.2%.
Paralegals in Texas tend to earn competitive salaries, often higher than the national average. This is particularly true in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Here are five employers in Texas from various industries and in different locations, that employ paralegals working in the state:
- ExxonMobil, Irving, TX:
- (Energy) ExxonMobil is a global leader in the energy sector. Paralegals at ExxonMobil can work in areas such as environmental law, corporate compliance, intellectual property and contract management.
- Dell Technologies, Round Rock, TX:
- (Technology) Dell Technologies provides opportunities for paralegals to work in technology law, intellectual property, corporate governance and international business transactions.
- AT&T, Dallas, TX:
- (Telecommunications) AT&T is a major player in the telecommunications industry. Paralegals at AT&T can be involved in telecommunications law, regulatory compliance, corporate transactions and litigation support.
- Baker Botts LLP, Houston, TX:
- (Legal) Baker Botts LLP is a prominent law firm offering services in a wide range of legal areas including energy law, intellectual property, environmental law and corporate law. Paralegals at Baker Botts can gain experience in diverse legal fields.
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX:
- (Healthcare) Texas Children’s Hospital is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the United States. Paralegals working here may focus on healthcare law, medical malpractice, compliance and risk management.
Salary stats for Texas paralegals
In Texas, the industry that both pays the highest and hires the most paralegals is the legal services industry, particularly within large law firms and corporate legal departments.
Paralegals working in corporate legal departments of large corporations, especially in the energy, technology and telecommunications sectors, tend to receive some of the highest salaries. Companies such as ExxonMobil, Dell Technologies and AT&T offer competitive compensation packages due to the complex and high-stakes nature of their legal work.
Salaries for different legal studies careers (national median)
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $60,970 |
| Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $50,680 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | $67,700 |
| Judicial Law Clerks | $57,490 |
Salaries for paralegals specific to Texas
After completing their education, paralegals in Texas may choose to seek employment in one of the state’s large law firms. Texas is home to several prestigious law firms including Baker Botts LLP (Houston), Vinson & Elkins LLP (Houston) and Haynes and Boone, LLP (Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and other locations). These firms frequently hire a substantial number of paralegals to support their extensive caseloads in various legal areas, including corporate law, litigation, intellectual property and energy law.
- Some paralegals may decide that working in a large (or small) law firm is not for them. Besides law firms, paralegals have other options. They can work in corporate legal departments or for government agencies, non-profit organizations, tech companies, healthcare corporations, financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate firms.
Median paralegal salary in Texas
The median annual salary for paralegals in Texas is $58,740, but despite its strong employment level, it still doesn’t rank in the BLS’ top five states for pay. Take a look at the state’s median salary by percentage and for different cities in Texas:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
10%$37,690
25%$45,800
50%$58,740Median
75%$74,940
90%$97,280
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment28,140
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $62,760 | $46,590 | $98,710 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $61,880 | $42,000 | $122,500 |
| Midland, TX | $61,700 | $37,890 | $102,260 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $60,220 | $39,710 | $86,320 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $59,220 | $38,810 | $98,320 |
| Odessa, TX | $58,610 | $39,940 | $87,700 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $56,690 | $37,520 | $89,810 |
| Amarillo, TX | $56,450 | $37,760 | $84,760 |
| Waco, TX | $56,340 | $38,000 | $81,260 |
| Laredo, TX | $56,310 | $35,630 | $102,920 |
| Longview, TX | $52,530 | $36,300 | $80,560 |
| Abilene, TX | $50,140 | $36,630 | $88,840 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $49,980 | $35,730 | $71,710 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $49,570 | $37,230 | $81,650 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $47,860 | $39,100 | $82,620 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for paralegals in Texas
The salary range for paralegals in Texas spans from $37,690 for the lowest 10%, which encompasses entry level roles and non-urban area locales, to $97,280 for the highest 10% of working paralegals per year. This percentage includes senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as time on the job, education and certifications and area of specialty.
Pay by metro area for paralegals
Your earning level can sometimes depend upon where you live within a state. Logically, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas, larger law firms better than small, and obviously law firm hubs such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio may pay more competitively, though the cost of living will also be higher. The BLS does report that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area has the eighth highest level of employment of paralegals in the country and is the highest paying area in the state. That said, here’s what the BLS reported as top 10 highest paying cities in the U.S. for paralegal and legal assisting fields. As you can see, California dominates the list and takes five of the top 10 spots:
| Metro Area | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $99,990 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $83,780 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,650 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $78,970 |
| Midland, MI | $77,850 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $77,060 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $75,740 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $75,480 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $75,160 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $75,100 |
Salary growth and job outlook for paralegals
Paralegals in Texas have a 4.2% job growth rate predicted through 2032 said the BLS. This is higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other legal career job growth rates are as follows, compared to paralegals. As you can see, the job growth rate for paralegals surpasses other legal support roles:
| Legal support career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2032 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 4.2% |
| Legal secretaries and administrative assistants | -21.8% |
| Legal support workers, all others | 0.2% |
| Judicial law clerks | 2.3% |
Factors affecting paralegal salaries in Texas
Several factors can impact a paralegal’s salary level in Texas. While some of these factors are common across many states, there are certain aspects unique to Texas due to its economic landscape and legal industry dynamics.
- Education and experience:
- As with most professions, the more experience and higher education a paralegal has, the higher their salary tends to be. Advanced degrees, certifications (such as those from NALA or the State Bar of Texas) and specialized training may significantly boost earning potential.
- Location:
- Salaries can vary widely within Texas depending on the city or region. Major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas typically offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns or rural areas due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for legal services.
- Industry:
- The industry in which a paralegal works can also affect their salary. For instance, paralegals in corporate legal departments, particularly in the energy, technology and healthcare sectors, often earn more than those working in smaller law firms or government agencies.
- Size of company:
- Larger law firms and corporations tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller firms or solo practitioners. The complexity and volume of work in larger organizations typically necessitate higher compensation for paralegals.
- Economic diversity:
- Texas has a highly diversified economy with strong sectors in energy, technology, healthcare and telecommunications. This diversity creates a wide range of opportunities and can impact salary levels, especially in cities that are hubs for these industries.
- Energy sector dominance:
- The presence of a robust energy sector, particularly in Houston, may significantly influence paralegal salary. Paralegals with expertise in energy law or who work for major energy companies may see higher wages due to the sector’s profitability and complexity.
- Cost of living variation:
- Texas has a wide range of living costs across its regions. While cities like Austin and Dallas have higher living costs, regions like San Antonio and El Paso are more affordable, impacting the relative value of salaries in these areas.
What to do if you think you’re being paid unfairly in Texas
If you believe you are being paid unfairly as a paralegal in Texas, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. To obtain accurate salary data in such a large and diverse state, you can utilize the following resources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS provides detailed salary data and employment statistics for paralegals, broken down by state and metropolitan area. This can help paralegals understand salary trends in specific regions of Texas.
- Professional associations: Organizations like the State Bar of Texas and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) often conduct salary surveys and publish reports that provide insights into compensation trends within the state.
- Online salary databases: Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed and Payscale offer user-reported salary information that can be filtered by location, allowing paralegals to compare salaries across different cities and regions in Texas.
- Job market research: Reviewing job postings on platforms like LinkedIn and legal job boards can provide real-time data on salary ranges offered by employers in various parts of Texas.
- Networking: Connecting with other paralegals and legal professionals through local paralegal associations, LinkedIn groups and industry events can provide firsthand insights and anecdotal data on current salary trends.
If, after you gather data from the above sources, you still feel there is a disparity or inequity, you should speak with your manager of the company HR department. If talks fail you can take the next steps:
- Seek legal advice: Consult with an employment attorney who specializes in wage and hour laws. They can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.
- File a complaint: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers a complaint hotline and online portal to file wage complaints. You must file within 180 days of payment. You can either call the TWC Wage and Hour Department or file online here.
Education and training
While Texas does not have mandatory statewide education and certification requirements for paralegals, there are recognized pathways and recommended certifications that can enhance a paralegal’s career prospects. Here are some key aspects of paralegal education and certification in Texas:
Paralegal certificate programs: Many community colleges and universities in Texas offer paralegal certificate programs that typically require a certain number of credit hours and cover essential legal subjects. These programs can be completed in about a year.
Associate degrees: An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies from an accredited program is another common education path. These programs usually take two years to complete and provide a more comprehensive education, including general education courses alongside legal studies.
Bachelor’s degrees: Some universities offer bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies or related fields. These four-year programs provide an in-depth legal education and can include internships and practical experience.
While certification is not mandatory, obtaining certification may significantly enhance a paralegal’s credentials. The following certifications are highly regarded in Texas:
Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) Certification: TBLS offers certification in specific areas of law for paralegals who meet certain education, experience and examination requirements. This certification demonstrates a high level of expertise in a specialized area of law.
Certified Paralegal (CP): Offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the CP credential is widely recognized. To qualify, candidates must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass an examination.
Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP): Also offered by NALA, the ACP certification is for paralegals who already hold the CP designation and want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in specialized areas of law.
Professional Paralegal (PP): Offered by the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS), this certification is another option for paralegals seeking to validate their skills and knowledge through examination.
Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE): Administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), passing this exam grants the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential, indicating a high level of professional competence.
Factoring in the cost of living in Texas
The cost of living in Texas is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it an attractive state for many paralegal students and professionals. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the specific area within the state.
Contributing factors:
Housing costs in Texas are relatively affordable, especially in comparison to other large states like California and New York. The median home prices and rental rates tend to be lower, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas. Major metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have higher housing costs but are still often more affordable than comparable cities in other states.
Transportation: The cost of transportation in Texas is moderate. While fuel prices are generally lower due to the state’s strong oil industry, the need for a car in many areas can add to transportation expenses. Public transportation is available in larger cities, but may not be as extensive as in other states.
Utilities: Utility costs in Texas are around the national average, though they can vary based on energy consumption, which tends to be higher during the hot summer months due to air conditioning.
Taxes: Texas has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial benefit for residents. However, property taxes can be relatively high, which is something to consider when purchasing a home.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
RentCafe says cities in Texas that have the highest costs of living compared to the national average include Plano (17% higher), Gainesville City (10% higher), Hutto (8% higher) and Dallas (2% higher).
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
RentCafe’s list of Texas cities with a lower cost of living than the national average include: Austin (1% lower), Houston (6% lower), Tyler (4% lower) and Fort Worth (6% lower).
Professional groups for Texas paralegals and legal assistants
Professional associations, groups and organizations offer valuable resources, education, and networking opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants, helping them to advance their careers and stay updated with industry trends.
State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division: The Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas is dedicated to the advancement of the paralegal profession. It offers continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities, networking events and resources for professional development.
Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA): DAPA is a professional association for paralegals in the Dallas area. It offers educational programs, networking events and resources to support the professional growth of its members.
Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association (HMPA): HMPA serves paralegals in the Houston metropolitan area. It provides educational seminars, certification study groups, networking opportunities and community service initiatives.
Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA): CAPA is based in Austin and offers a range of professional development activities, including CLE programs, social events and community service projects for paralegals in the capital area.
San Antonio Paralegal Association (SAPA): SAPA supports paralegals in the San Antonio area by offering educational programs, networking events and resources for career advancement and professional development.
El Paso Paralegal Association (EPPA): EPPA provides support and resources for paralegals in the El Paso region. It offers educational opportunities, networking events and community involvement activities.
This salary guide for Texas strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many careers in paralegal and legal studies in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path through the legal justice system and gain an understanding of how to negotiate salary while you learn to set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Published: August 7, 2024
Written and reported by:
All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
