Find Out How Much Paralegals Make in Virginia!6 min read
Paralegals in Virginia earn a median annual salary of $50,470, which is slightly lower than the national average of $53,000. The top 10% of earners in the state make an average of $79,610 per year, while the bottom 10% make an average of $31,980 per year. The cost of living in Virginia is relatively high, so paralegals in the state may need to earn more than the national average to maintain a similar standard of living.
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How Much Do Paralegals Make In Virginia
Paralegals in Virginia can make good money depending on their experience and education level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of paralegals in Virginia was $54,940 in 2019. Those in the top 10% earned an average of $79,750. Paralegals in Northern Virginia earned an average of $66,050, the highest in the state. Paralegals in the Richmond area earned an average of $51,370. Education and experience can have a big impact on a paralegal’s salary. Those with higher education, such as a bachelor’s degree, and more experience are likely to earn more. The job outlook for paralegals in Virginia is also positive, with a projected 13% growth rate from 2019 to 2029.
Description of Paralegal Duties and Responsibilities
Paralegals in Virginia are a vital part of the legal system, providing a range of services that allow attorneys to focus on their core practice areas. As a paralegal, you are responsible for researching legal issues, drafting and filing documents, preparing for trials and hearings, and providing administrative support to attorneys. You will also be expected to understand and stay abreast of legal developments, as well as ethical and professional standards.
What kind of salary can you expect as a paralegal in Virginia? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for paralegals in Virginia is approximately $53,000. However, this figure can vary widely depending on location, employer, and job duties. As with any job, the more experience and expertise you have, the higher your salary will be.
The duties of a paralegal in Virginia are broad and varied. You may be expected to conduct legal research, prepare pleadings and motions, review evidence, and help attorneys prepare for court proceedings. You may also be responsible for interviewing witnesses, preparing client communications, managing caseloads, and providing administrative support.
In addition to these traditional duties, paralegals in Virginia may also be called upon to help attorneys with investigative tasks. You may be asked to locate documents, research case law, and review documents for accuracy. You may also be asked to provide document management services, such as organizing case files and preparing legal briefs.
Paralegals in Virginia must also be familiar with the laws and regulations governing their profession. This includes understanding legal terminology, court procedures, and ethical requirements. Paralegals must also adhere to the rules of professional conduct, including confidentiality and disclosure laws.

Becoming a paralegal in Virginia requires a college degree and passing an examination. Paralegals must also complete continuing education courses to remain current on the latest legal developments and technology.
Paralegals in Virginia are an integral part of the legal system, providing essential services that allow attorneys to focus on their core practice areas. With the right qualifications and experience, paralegals can earn a competitive salary and enjoy a rewarding career.
Average Salary for Paralegals in Virginia
Are you interested in becoming a paralegal in Virginia? If so, you may be wondering how much you can expect to make in this profession. The average salary for paralegals in Virginia is quite competitive, and can range from around $41,000 to $71,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
When it comes to specific cities, the average salary for paralegals in Virginia’s capital city of Richmond is approximately $48,000. In Virginia Beach, the average salary is around $45,000, while in Norfolk it’s slightly higher at $47,000. For those located in the Northern Virginia area, the average salary for paralegals is typically around $56,000.
If you’re looking for the highest paying paralegal jobs in Virginia, you might want to consider positions in the federal government. Paralegals working in government agencies often make around $71,000 per year. Additionally, the top 10 percent of paralegals in Virginia make around $78,000 annually.
In addition to the salary you can expect to make as a paralegal in Virginia, there are also a number of benefits that can come with the job. For instance, many paralegals in the state have access to health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Overall, the average salary for paralegals in Virginia is quite competitive, and can range from around $41,000 to $71,000 per year, depending on experience and location. By taking the time to research the different salary ranges and benefits offered in the state, you can better understand what to expect when you begin working as a paralegal in Virginia.
Factors That Affect Paralegal Salaries in Virginia
Paralegals are an invaluable asset to the legal system, providing vital support to attorneys and other legal professionals. In Virginia, paralegals can find a wide range of salaries depending on their experience, education, and the type of practice they are employed in. Here, we’ll explore the factors that can affect paralegal salaries in Virginia.

Location
One of the most significant factors determining paralegal salaries in Virginia is geographic location. For example, paralegals in the Richmond-Petersburg area tend to earn higher salaries than those in other parts of the state. This is due to the concentration of law firms and other employers offering higher-paying jobs in the area.
Experience
Paralegals with more experience tend to earn higher salaries than those with less experience. This is due to the fact that more experienced paralegals have better skills and knowledge, making them more valuable to employers. Additionally, paralegals who have been in the field for a longer period of time are more likely to have established relationships with clients, which can lead to higher salaries.
Education
Paralegals with higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries than those with lower levels of education. This is due to the fact that employers often prefer to hire paralegals with more knowledge and expertise. Additionally, paralegals with higher levels of education may be eligible for more specialized positions, which can also result in higher salaries.
Type of Practice
The type of practice a paralegal works in can also affect their salary. For example, paralegals working in corporate law or in a government agency may be paid higher salaries than those who work in general practice law. Additionally, paralegals who specialize in a certain area of law, such as patent law or family law, may be able to command higher salaries.
In conclusion, the factors that affect paralegal salaries in Virginia vary depending on the individual’s experience, education, and the type of practice they work in. Paralegals who are willing to relocate to areas with higher salaries, have more experience, and higher levels of education are likely to see the highest salaries.
Conclusion
Overall, the average salary for paralegals in Virginia is around $51,220 per year. However, wages for paralegals vary widely depending on the region, experience, and other qualifications. The highest wages are typically seen in larger metropolitan areas such as Arlington and Richmond, while the lower end of the pay scale is usually seen in rural areas. Generally, paralegals with more experience and higher qualifications can expect to make more money. Additionally, paralegals can also earn additional income through overtime or bonuses. Ultimately, the amount of money a paralegal can make in Virginia is largely dependent on their experience and qualifications.