Arkansas’ paralegals are poised for success and ready to assume exciting positions in legal environments ranging from corporate law departments to law firms specializing in immigrant law, family law, personal injury law, and much, much more. Whether you’re new to the field or have been working toward a specialization and a leadership position, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Arkansas.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Arkansas
It’s an exciting time to be an Arkansas paralegal. As of May 2020, paralegals here earned an average salary of $40,420, or about $19.43 an hour. But with significant experience, particularly in a legal specialty, you’ll enjoy a salary that reflects those in the top 10% of the field, which was about $61,690, or $29.79 an hour, as of 2020.
Arkansas paralegals with significant business experience not only find work in corporate legal departments for high-profile companies like Wal-Mart and Tyson foods, but those who are knowledgeable in patent and intellectual property law will surely benefit from the expansion of home-grown tech companies such as Inuvo and Metova.
As of May 2020, there were about 2,160 paralegal jobs in Arkansas. According to the American Bar Association, between 2011 and 2021, the number of active lawyers in Arkansas rose by a truly impressive 22.8%, which reflects a growing need for paralegals who provide unparalleled support services to the state’s attorneys.
Average Paralegal Salary in Arkansas by City
Most paralegals in Arkansas earned an average salary in the low $40,000s as of May 2020, although the Little Rock metro area reported the highest salaries for paralegals during this time, which comes as no surprise given that many of the state’s law firms like Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC, Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP, and Wilson & Associates PLLC are located here.
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers:
Average – $41,430 ($19.92 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,160 ($31.33 hourly)
Fort Smith:
Average – $42,300 ($20.34 hourly)
Top 10% – $59,960 ($28.83 hourly)
Jonesboro:
Average – $33,820 ($16.26 hourly)
Top 10% – $41,220 ($19.82 hourly)
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway:
Average – $43,070 ($20.71 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,610 ($31.55 hourly)
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2021.