Wyoming is largely supported but its mineral extraction and tourism industries (some of the big draws here include Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Independence Rock), although the healthcare and higher education sectors are among some of the state’s biggest employers and include the University of Wyoming, Sheridan College, and Wyoming Medical Center.
For the state’s paralegals, this diverse economy lends itself to exciting opportunities with corporations, law firms, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. A steady rise in the number of active lawyers here between 2011 and 2021 (a 2.1% increase, according to the American Bar Association) has created a dynamic legal services environment that is well-positioned for growth in the paralegal profession.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Wyoming
As of May 2020, the average salary for paralegals in Wyoming was $43,160, or $20.75 per hour. Once you’ve gained considerable experience, particularly in a legal specialty like litigation, corporate law, or estate law, you’ll find that your salary more closely resembles the state’s top earners (top 10%), which was about $58,840, or $28.11 during this time.
Average Paralegal Salary in Wyoming by City
Cheyanne’s paralegal salaries ranked higher than Casper’s as of May 2020, both at the average mark and among the top 10%. Some of the top companies here include Sierra Trading Post, Memorial Hospital of Laramie County, and Simon Contractors.
You’ll find that in general county seats offer higher paralegal salaries and more employment opportunities. That’s because they are the heads of government, the local legal system, and the local court system.
Wyoming’s supreme court is based in Cheyenne, and its district courts are headquartered in:
- Cheyenne
- Laramie
- Rawlins
- Kemmerer
- Green River
- Evanston
- Buffalo
- Sheridan
- Basin
- Thermopolis
- Cody
- Worland
- Gillette
- Sundance
- Newcastle
- Casper
- Douglas
- Torrington
- Lusk
- Wheatland
- Lander
- Pinedale
- Jackson
Casper:
Average – $46,350 ($22.29 hourly)
Top 10% – $52,560 ($25.27 hourly)
Cheyenne:
Average – $51,840 ($24.92 hourly)
Top 10% – $62,810 ($30.20 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.