Item saved to your backpack!

One of the most challenging aspects of researching assistant paralegal careers is defining the job in the first place. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, in some states, assistant paralegals support paralegals while in others they are synonymous with legal assistants. What may seem like a subtle difference in terminology actually translates into a major shift in responsibilities, training requirements and earnings.

However they are defined, all assistant paralegals support attorneys and their clients. In some cases this means maintaining client relations and even answering limited legal questions. Most of the time, however, assistant paralegals tackle basic administrative tasks, like document management and research.

By the numbers: typical assistant paralegal salaries

Because they are not a clear-cut career group, it can be difficult to identify paralegal assistants' salary trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median legal assistant, including assistant paralegal, salary in 2010 was $46,680, with the top 10 percent earning in excess of $74,870. Energy providers, software publishers and educational support services tended to pay the most.

GlassDoor.com reports that 2011 earnings for assistant paralegals specifically ranged from $30,000 for an entry-level position to $52,375 for a more advanced worker. Meanwhile, Salary.com notes that the median paralegal and assistant paralegal salary in 2010 ranged from $47,282 to a more robust $72,834, depending on experience.

When it comes to estimating your potential earnings, location counts. According to the BLS, the following states offered the best paralegal and assistant paralegal earnings in 2010:

• Washington D.C.: $65,740
• California: $59,790
• New York: $56,920

Cost-of-living also impacts your bottom line: California offers solid earnings, but they can be quickly offset by higher-than-average living costs. According to 2010 information from the BLS and the Council for Community and Economic Research, the following areas were among the most well-paying for assistant paralegals, relative to cost-of-living:

• Southern Georgia: $66,210
• Northeastern Iowa: $62,420
• Reno, Nev.: $57,620

Many assistant paralegals further improve their earnings by advancing to paralegal or managerial positions, a move that demands the right education.

How to become an assistant paralegal

Education requirements for assistant paralegals vary tremendously by region and employer. While some can get by with a high school diploma, others must earn an associate or even a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related discipline. A good rule of thumb is that both employment and earning potential improve with training and experience, making paralegal training a solid career investment in virtually all cases. This may be especially true for practicing assistant paralegals who want to advance to paralegal or managerial positions.

Looking ahead: assistant paralegal career outlook

The BLS projects that positions among paralegals and those in related careers will grow by an impressive 28 percent in the decade preceding 2018, much higher than the average for all U.S. workers. While private law firms will continue to employ the highest concentration of assistant paralegals, corporate legal departments in a variety of industries will create a number of new opportunities.

For related news and other information from Schools.com, see:

• Surprise! 5 real-life, unexpected college-to-career journeys
• NACE ranks most in-demand majors and lucrative degrees 2011
• 7 tips for negotiating a better salary
• Legal administrative assistant salary & career outlook