Supported by an industrial boom in the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles regions and a swiftly growing high-tech sector, paralegals with expertise in everything from intellectual property licensing and patent law to labor law are sure to find plentiful professional opportunities in Louisiana.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Louisiana
As of May 2020, paralegals in Louisiana earned an average salary of $47,580, or $22.87. Although the average salary for paralegals is about $9,000 less than the national average of $56,610, Louisiana’s lower cost of living allows the average salary here to remain competitive with paralegals in other parts of the country.
There are plenty of reasons to gain specialized experience and earn industry credentials in the paralegal profession in Louisiana, as the top earners here (top 10%) earn about $66,300, or $31.87 per hour – that’s about $19,000 more than the state average.
Another bright spot among Louisiana’s paralegals is the growth of active lawyers in the state. In the decade between 2011 and 2021, the number of active lawyers here has increased by 19.1% – one of the largest increases in the nation. A growing number of practicing lawyers naturally translates into an increased need for competent and qualified paralegals.
Average Paralegal Salary in Louisiana by City
In most cases, salaries for paralegals in Louisiana’s metro areas averaged in the mid-$40,000s, with the exception of New Orleans metro area, which posted an average salary of $52,410 for paralegals as of May 2020.
New Orleans’ diverse economy is led by the tourism, advanced manufacturing, energy, and healthcare industries, with major companies here including Ochsner Health System, Whitney Holding Corporation, and Tulane University.
Alexandria:
Average – $43,730 ($21.02 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,270 ($31.38 hourly)
Baton Rouge:
Average – $45,660 ($21.95 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,060 ($31.28 hourly)
Lafayette:
Average – $45,310 ($21.79 hourly)
Top 10% – $66,300 ($31.88 hourly)
Lake Charles:
Average – $40,830 ($19.63 hourly)
Top 10% – $61,390 ($29.51 hourly)
Monroe:
Average – $36,460 ($17.53 hourly)
Top 10% – $49,530 ($23.81 hourly)
New Orleans-Metairie:
Average – $52,410 ($25.20 hourly)
Top 10% – $70,340 ($33.82 hourly)
Shreveport-Bossier City:
Average – $47,880 ($23.02 hourly)
Top 10% – $63,930 ($30.74 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.