Paralegal Salary In Wv
The West Virginia Paralegal Association (WVPA) is the state’s only statewide association dedicated to the advancement of paralegals and their profession. The WVPA strives to maintain high professional standards through education, certification, and networking opportunities for its members.
The paralegal profession is growing rapidly in West Virginia, with many paralegals working in the state’s growing legal services industry. The West Virginia Department of Labor reports that there are currently more than 1,000 paralegals working in the state. Although there has been a slight decrease in the number of paralegals employed since 2008, this decrease may be attributed to an overall decrease in the number of lawyers practicing law rather than an actual decline in employment opportunities for paralegals. In fact, according to NALP (National Association for Law Placement), there were only two states—North Dakota and Wyoming—where there were fewer jobs available for new graduates than West Virginia during 2012-2013.
Paralegal Salary In Wv
West Virginia Paralegal Salaries
West Virginia’s paralegal jobs numbered about 1,590 as of May 2020, thanks to opportunities in a variety of sectors.
The state’s energy sector, which remains a key component to the state’s economy… a strong federal government presence through agencies like the FBI, U.S. Treasury, and the National Park Service… and a large healthcare sector that includes some of the state’s biggest employers like West Virginia United Health System in Morgantown and CAMC Health Systems Charleston all create exciting opportunities for West Virginia’s legal services industry which, in turn, means growing opportunities for the paralegals who call the state home.
Featured Programs:
SPONSORED SCHOOL(S)
Featured Program: Online Paralegal Associate’s and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Featured Program: Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies – Juris Master – American Legal Studies
Featured Program: Bachelor’s in Legal Support and Services – Paralegal Concentration
Featured Program: Master of Legal Studies Online – No LSAT or GRE Scores Required
Washington University in St. Louis
Featured Program: Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Degree
Featured Program: Online Master of Legal Studies Program
Featured Program: BS in Justice Studies; BA in Government: Legal Studies; MS in Criminal Justice: Legal Studies
Paralegal Job Market Trends in West Virginia
As of May 2020, the average paralegal salary in West Virginia was $52,680, or $25.33 per hour. Once you’ve earned considerable experience, particularly in one more legal specialties like corporate litigation, labor law, estate law, or consumer law, your salary will more accurately reflect the state’s top earners (top 10%), who earned about $82,880, or $39.85 per hour during this time – that’s about $30,000 more than the state average.
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Average Paralegal Salary in West Virginia by City
As the largest city and seat of government, Charleston offers the highest average salary for paralegals, which is about $7,000 higher than the state average.
Beckley:
Average – $40,700 ($19.57 hourly)
Top 10% – $57,660 ($27.72 hourly)
Charleston:
Average – $59,410 ($28.56 hourly)
Top 10% – $94,660 ($45.51 hourly)
Huntington-Ashland:
Average – $52,530 ($25.25 hourly)
Top 10% – $79,630 ($38.29 hourly)
Morgantown:
Average – $55,050 ($26.47 hourly)
Top 10% – $75,990 ($36.54 hourly)
Parkersburg-Vienna:
Average – $48,420 ($23.28 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,620 ($31.55 hourly)
Weirton-Steubenville (WV-OH):
Average – $40,600 ($19.52 hourly)
Top 10% – $55,130 ($26.51 hourly)
