To become a paralegal in Missouri, most employers prefer or expect formal education from an ABA-approved program—certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree. Missouri doesn’t regulate paralegals, but the Missouri Bar strongly encourages credentials. Paralegals earn a median salary of $58,730, with 650 annual job openings and 5.3% growth projected through 2032.
Home to about 4 lawyers per 1,000 people, Missouri ranks tenth 
nationally for lawyer concentration. Major employers include Emerson Electric in St. Louis, H&R Block in Kansas City, and O’Reilly Automotive in Springfield. Regional law firms like Thompson Coburn, Bryan Cave, and Armstrong Teasdale offer opportunities in criminal law, bankruptcy, estate law, and corporate specializations.
But before you can begin making a difference in the legal services field as a trusted and valued paralegal, you’ll need to learn how to become a paralegal in Missouri, which includes earning the education and credentials that today’s lawyers demand. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Missouri’s paralegal profession, from education requirements and program options to salary expectations and professional associations.
Education Requirements in Missouri
In Missouri, paralegals are considered legal “paraprofessionals” according to Rule 5.3. This means they must work under the supervision of a lawyer who agrees to educate them about matters of confidentiality and ethics. Attorneys must also accept responsibility for the professional conduct of any paralegals they employ.
Although it was suggested in 2003, Missouri does not currently regulate its paralegals in terms of training or educational requirements. However, the Missouri Bar Association’s “Practicing with Paralegals” position paper supports educational requirements for paralegals and encourages its members to hire paralegals with certificates or degrees in paralegal studies.
The Missouri Bar’s position on paralegal education aligns with the standards of paralegal education promoted by both the American Bar Association (ABA) and the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). Those standards call for paralegal education that includes at least 60 semester hours of coursework in legal core competencies like research, drafting legal documents, and analyzing legal materials. They also require that educational institutions be regionally accredited and that paralegal programs specifically receive ABA approval.
Such education is available in several models: certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and master’s degrees. While Missouri doesn’t mandate specific credentials, the body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased.
Paralegal Programs & Schools in Missouri
Missouri’s legal environment presents unique challenges for paralegals. The Missouri Courts official government website—representing the state’s entire judicial branch from municipal courts to the state Supreme Court—released a 69-page document called Significant Missouri Law Distinctions. This document lists 11 areas, ranging from administrative law and evidence to family law and estates, in which Missouri law differs substantially from other state and federal laws. This makes formal education in paralegal studies particularly important for those working in Missouri’s legal field.
Law offices and other employers in Missouri have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies. In the era of national universities offering distance learning programs, you’ll find that some of the best options are available online as well as on campus.
ABA-Approved Paralegal Programs in Missouri
Missouri offers 10 colleges and universities with paralegal programs designed for students at all stages of their professional development, whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or an experienced paralegal looking to advance and specialize:
Drury University
- AS Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Culver-Stockton College
- Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
Metropolitan Community College
- AAS in Paralegal Practice – Campus
Missouri Southern State University
- Paralegal Studies Certificate/Minor – Campus and online
Missouri Western State University
- Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
- Legal Assistant Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
- AS in Legal Assistant Studies – Campus
- BS in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies – Campus
Rockhurst University
- Paralegal Certificate – Campus
- Paralegal Minor – Campus
Saint Louis Community College
- AAS in Legal Studies for the Paralegal – Campus
- Certificate in Legal Studies for the Paralegal (post-associate) – Campus
Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts
- AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
- BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Webster University
- Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
- BA in Legal Studies – Campus
- MA in Legal Studies – Campus and synchronous online
- Legal Studies Graduate Certificate (post-bac) – Campus and synchronous online
William Woods University
- BS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Is There Paralegal Certification in Missouri?
The certificate that qualifies a paralegal to work is different from national certification, though the two are often confused. Understanding this distinction is important as you plan your paralegal career in Missouri.
Certificate vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
Certificate programs are educational programs that issue a certificate of completion to their graduates, who are then called certificated paralegals. Some certificate programs can be finished quite quickly, since, unlike degrees, they do not have many general education requirements. Some certificate programs are available to those with no previous higher education. Others require a baccalaureate degree in any field as a prerequisite.
Certified paralegals are paralegals who have passed one of the national exams offered by the professional paralegal associations. National certification is voluntary and is often obtained so that paralegals may demonstrate their competence in their field. Earning national certification can improve job prospects and may lead to higher salaries, with some employers offering pay differentials for certified paralegals. Learn more about national certification exams and requirements. While Missouri doesn’t require certification to work as a paralegal, earning this credential can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
National Certification Exams
Currently, there are four exams offered:
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
In order to take one of these exams, paralegals must meet eligibility requirements, including education and work experience. These requirements vary by certification, but typically include completion of an approved paralegal education program and anywhere from one to seven years of substantive paralegal work experience.
Paralegal Salary & Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri’s steadfast aerospace, advanced manufacturing, chemical, and food processing industries and recognition as one of the top states in the nation for its low cost of doing business, tech manufacturing growth, and economic recovery have created a strong legal services industry where opportunities for paralegals are varied and plentiful. From the corporate law departments of major companies like Emerson Electric and O’Reilly Automotive to governmental agencies, nonprofits, and regional and national law firms, paralegals with the right blend of education and know-how are always in demand in Missouri.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, Missouri’s 6,410 paralegals earned a mean annual salary of $60,260 ($28.97 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level paralegals in the 10th percentile start around $37,400 annually ($17.98 per hour), while the median salary sits at $58,730 ($28.24 per hour). Experienced paralegals in the 90th percentile earn $84,610 or more ($40.68 per hour), demonstrating significant advancement potential in the field. These figures rank Missouri competitively with neighboring states and slightly below the national median of $61,010 for paralegals, reflecting the state’s lower cost of living.
Salary by Metropolitan Area
As of May 2024, paralegal salaries varied across Missouri’s metropolitan regions, with Kansas City leading the state in average compensation. Here’s how salaries compare across Missouri’s major cities:
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Salary | Mean Hourly | Entry-Level (10th) | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $64,040 | $30.79 | $40,260 | $91,990 |
| St. Louis | $59,760 | $28.73 | $39,630 | $82,760 |
| Columbia | $56,610 | $27.22 | $37,390 | $81,240 |
| Springfield | $54,990 | $26.44 | $37,400 | $78,880 |
| St. Joseph | $53,750 | $25.84 | $38,460 | $72,250 |
| Joplin | $50,400 | $24.23 | $31,650 | $75,610 |
| Cape Girardeau | $49,660 | $23.88 | $36,300 | $71,950 |
| Jefferson City | $49,270 | $23.69 | $37,210 | $66,540 |
Kansas City consistently offers the highest salaries for paralegals in Missouri, reflecting the concentration of large corporate headquarters and major law firms in the metro area. Jefferson City, as the state capital, provides stable opportunities in government legal positions. Regional variations reflect differences in cost of living, legal market concentration, and demand for specialized paralegal skills.
Job Market & Growth Outlook
Missouri’s paralegal job market shows promising growth through the next decade. As of May 2024, Missouri was home to about 6,410 paralegal jobs, which was much higher than the number of paralegal jobs in neighboring states like Kansas (2,330), Arkansas (1,400), and Oklahoma (2,500). This strong employment base reflects Missouri’s robust legal services industry.
According to state employment projections, Missouri’s paralegal profession is expected to grow by 5.3% from 2022 to 2032, adding approximately 320 new positions. More importantly, the state projects 650 annual job openings throughout this period, accounting for both new positions and the replacement of paralegals who retire or leave the field. This steady stream of opportunities makes Missouri an attractive state for aspiring paralegals.
The growth of Missouri’s legal services industry is further supported by the expansion of the attorney workforce. According to the American Bar Association, the number of active lawyers in Missouri has grown from 23,933 in 2011 to 24,679 in 2024, thereby creating a growing legal services environment that’s always in need of qualified and competent paralegals.
Professional Associations in Missouri
Missouri offers a statewide paralegal association as well as regional paralegal associations. All of these organizations work to promote the development of the paralegal profession through high ethical and professional standards, networking within the legal field, and sponsoring educational opportunities for their members. Joining a professional association can provide valuable networking opportunities, access to continuing legal education, and career advancement resources.
Missouri Paralegal Association (MPA)
The Missouri Paralegal Association (MPA) is affiliated with the NFPA and works to address issues affecting paralegals at the state and federal levels. This includes representing the interests of paralegals in conversations about regulation and other matters, providing paralegals with opportunities to network and exchange information, and developing continuing legal education (CLE) for paralegals.
MPA offers four levels of membership:
- Voting – Open to those employed as paralegals who meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus a paralegal certificate from an approved school
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies plus one year of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in any field, a paralegal certificate from an approved school, and one year of paralegal experience
- Three years of consecutive paralegal experience
- Associate – Open to those who meet the requirements for Active membership except for being employed as a paralegal
- Affiliate – Open to any person who supports the MPA
- Sustaining – Open to any entity that supports the MPA, with different marketing options available
NALS of Missouri
NALS of Missouri is an affiliate of NALS, the association for legal professionals. This state association and its local chapters encourage NALS certification and offer these different levels of membership:
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature, such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years prior to retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
The local chapters of NALS of Missouri are:
- Kansas City Legal Secretary Association (KCLSA)
- Springfield Area Legal Support Professionals (SALSP)
- NALS of Greater Saint Louis
Saint Louis Paralegal Association (STLPA)
Saint Louis Paralegal Association (STLPA) is an affiliate of the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA). The STLPA promotes NALA certifications and offers these levels of membership:
- Voting – Open to employed paralegals who have completed a formal paralegal program or who have been employed as paralegals for at least two years
- Associate – Open to any of the following:
- Those currently employed as paralegals
- Those who have been employed as a paralegal in the past
- Those who have completed a formal paralegal training program
- Student – Open to those currently enrolled in a formal paralegal training program
- Sustaining – Open to business partners who select to sponsor the STLPA
Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA)
Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA) offers four levels of membership:
- Voting – Open to employed paralegals who meet one of the following:
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a paralegal certificate
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- One year of paralegal work experience
- Affiliate – Open to anyone who is not employed as a paralegal or who cannot meet the requirements for Voting membership
- Student – Open to those enrolled in a formal paralegal studies program who are not employed full-time as a paralegal
- Sustaining – Open to law firms, companies, and institutions that want to support the KCPA
Law Firms Hiring Paralegals in Missouri
Large law firms can be great entry points for new paralegals. In Missouri, the largest law firms are found in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. These firms offer opportunities to work on diverse cases, gain experience in multiple practice areas, and develop your paralegal skills under the mentorship of experienced attorneys and senior paralegals. Such firms include:
- Shook, Hardy and Bacon
- Polsinelli Shughart
- Stinson Morrison Hecker
- Lathrop and Gage
- Armstrong Teasdale
- Husch Blackwell
- Greensfelder, Hemker, and Gale
- Thompson Coburn
- Bryan Cave
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license or certification to work as a paralegal in Missouri?
No, Missouri doesn’t regulate or license paralegals. However, the Missouri Bar strongly encourages attorneys to hire paralegals with formal education credentials from ABA-approved programs. While you can work as a paralegal without specific credentials, completing a certificate or degree program significantly improves your job prospects and earning potential in Missouri’s competitive legal market.
What’s the difference between a paralegal certificate and certification?
A certificate is awarded upon completing an educational program, making you a “certificated paralegal.” Certification refers to passing a national exam (like CLA/CP, PACE, PCCE, or PP) to become a “certified paralegal.” Certificates demonstrate you’ve completed formal education, while certifications prove you’ve passed a competency exam. Both add value to your credentials, but they serve different purposes in your professional development.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Missouri?
The timeline depends on your educational path. Certificate programs typically take 6-18 months to complete, associate’s degrees require about 2 years, and bachelor’s degrees take 4 years. Some post-baccalaureate certificate programs can be completed in as little as one semester if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. Online and accelerated programs may offer faster completion times, while part-time study extends the timeline but allows you to work while learning.
What is the average paralegal salary in Missouri?
As of May 2024, the median paralegal salary in Missouri is $58,730 annually ($28.24 per hour). Entry-level paralegals typically start around $37,400, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% earn $84,610 or more. Salaries vary significantly by location, with Kansas City offering the highest average at $64,040 and smaller cities offering lower but often more affordable living conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024.
Are there online paralegal programs available in Missouri?
Yes, several Missouri schools offer online paralegal programs. Drury University offers an online AS in Paralegal Studies, Missouri Southern State University provides online certificate and minor options, Webster University offers synchronous online MA and certificate programs, and William Woods University delivers a fully online BS in Paralegal Studies. These online options provide flexibility for working adults and those unable to attend campus-based programs.
Should I join a paralegal association in Missouri?
Joining a professional association offers significant benefits, including networking opportunities with other paralegals and attorneys, access to continuing legal education (CLE) programs, job boards and career resources, professional development workshops, and advocacy for the paralegal profession. Missouri offers four associations (MPA, NALS of Missouri, STLPA, and KCPA) with various membership levels to fit your career stage and professional goals. Many paralegals find the connections and resources well worth the annual membership investment.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri doesn’t regulate paralegals, but the Missouri Bar strongly encourages formal education credentials from ABA-approved programs for all practicing paralegals.
- Ten colleges and universities offer paralegal programs in Missouri, with options for certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, both online and on campus.
- Missouri paralegals earn a median salary of $58,730, with Kansas City offering the highest average salaries at $64,04,0 and strong growth projected through 2032 with 650 annual job openings.
- National certification through CLA/CP, PACE, PCCE, or PP is voluntary but demonstrates professional competence and can enhance career opportunities and earning potential.
- Four professional associations serve Missouri paralegals—MPA, NALS of Missouri, STLPA, and KCPA—offering networking, continuing education, and career development opportunities tailored to different regions and professional affiliations.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Missouri?
Explore ABA-approved paralegal programs, compare salary data for your area, and discover the certification path that’s right for you.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
