A long-time top spot on Forbes’ Best States for Business annual list has made Utah the place to be for business and professional opportunities. A pro-business climate and low energy costs have translated into a growing legal services industry which, in turn, has means exciting and plentiful opportunities for paralegals.
In fact, according to the American Bar Association, the number of active lawyers in Utah has increased by 31% between 2011 and 2021 – that’s among the highest increases in the country during this time. As more lawyers begin or grow their practices in Utah, the more they come to depend on the services of competent and trusted paralegals to ensure they are able to deliver cost-effective and efficient legal services.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Utah
As of May 2020, the average paralegal salary in Utah was $57,030, or $27.42 per hour, which is slightly higher than the national average of $56,610 for the profession. For those who work their way up through the ranks and take on specialized paralegal jobs and leadership positions, opportunities for higher salaries increase exponentially. In fact, the top 10% of paralegals in Utah earned about $83,350, or $40.07 per hour during this time.
Sectors that offer the highest salaries for paralegals across the nation – pharmaceuticals, computer software, and aerospace – also have an important presence in Utah:
- Pharmaceutical companies like Navingen, Actavis, and Recursion in Salt Lake City
- Companies like ACT Aerospace in Gunnison and Barnes Aerospace in Ogden
- Computer software companies like Micro Focus, Start Studio, and Imagine Learning in Provo
Average Paralegal Salary in Utah by City
Salt Lake City reported the highest average salary for paralegals as of May 2020 which comes as no surprise given that this metro area has become a beacon not just for tourism, but also for business and technical innovation. Just some of the largest employers found here include Zions Bancorporation, Intermountain Healthcare, BioFire Diagnostics, and Myriad Genetics.
Ogden-Clearfield:
Average – $53,030 ($25.50 hourly)
Top 10% – $88,750 ($42.67 hourly)
Provo-Orem:
Average – $54,000 ($25.96 hourly)
Top 10% – $77,010 ($37.03 hourly)
Salt Lake City:
Average – $58,270 ($28.01 hourly)
Top 10% – $83,210 ($40.00 hourly)
Saint George:
Average – $48,720 ($23.42 hourly)
Top 10% – $70,560 ($33.92 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.