Iowa Paralegal Career and Salary Guide

While there are no statewide standards or certifications required for paralegals in Iowa, many jobs in the field require a combination of paralegal studies coursework and experience. On this page, you will find information on how to become an Iowa paralegal, certification options in the state, career and salary outlook, and professional resources.

Table of Contents

• How to Become a Paralegal in Iowa
• Paralegal Certification
• Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
• Paralegal Resources

How to Become a Paralegal in Iowa

Because Iowa paralegal certification is not a requirement for working paralegals, prospective paralegals in the state can choose from several career paths. Most paralegals have a combination of education and experience. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Iowa:

1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

Currently, there are no mandated minimum educational requirements for paralegals in Iowa. However, prospective paralegals and legal assistants are strongly encouraged to pursue a degree or certificate in paralegal studies at one of Iowa’s paralegal schools before seeking employment. These programs typically confer a paralegal certificate, an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a paralegal bachelor’s degree, and include practical training in professional skills. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved one paralegal program in Iowa.¹

2. Gain experience.

While in their degree and certificate programs, many paralegal candidates receive on-the-job training through internships, job shadowing opportunities, and other real-world experience. This experience is highly desirable for employers seeking entry-level paralegals because it can reduce on-the-job training time. Other paralegals start in assistant or secretary roles and are later promoted to higher roles. Whether through an internship or formal on-the-job training, legal experience can make you stand out to potential hires and help you build your network for your future career.

3. Seek certification, if desired.

Although certification is optional for Iowa paralegals, voluntary certification can give paralegal candidates a competitive edge in their job search. Read more about certification options for Iowa paralegals below.

Paralegal Certification in Iowa

Iowa paralegal certification is not required to work as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals and legal assistants have been designated as legal paraprofessionals and may work under the direct supervision of a qualified attorney. After completing an Iowa paralegal program, many paralegals seek professional certification through a national organization. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), and the National Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) all offer comparable certification programs designed to establish a high standard of excellence for paralegals and legal assistants nationwide. For more information on national certification options, take a look at our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.

Iowa Certification

While there are no statewide certifications available for Iowa paralegals, the Iowa Paralegal Association (IPA) has formed a committee to consider the implementation of an Iowa Certified Paralegal (IaCP) Program. The IPA is asking for input from current paralegals and legal professionals about creating a database of members meeting the qualifications of the credential.

Iowa Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 2,520 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Iowa, with an average annual salary of $59,610.³ Projections Central has projected 7.7% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Iowa, higher than the national average of 4.2% over the same period.² This amounts to about 250 average paralegal job openings each year.²

Iowa Paralegal Salary by Metro Area

Paralegal Employers in Iowa

Though corporations, insurance firms, and government agencies require paralegal support, law firms remain the largest employers of legal assistants and paralegals. As Iowa is a national hub for insurance companies, paralegals may also find promising Iowa paralegal jobs in corporate legal settings with appropriate training. Local, regional, and state government agencies may also post paralegal jobs in Iowa and can be a good fit for those interested in public policy and government.

LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Iowa or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Iowa with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:

• BrownWinick
• ​​Dentons Davis Brown
• Iowa Legal Aid
• Iowa State University
• Principal Financial Group
• University of Iowa
• Wells Fargo

For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.

Paralegal Resources

Here are some resources to help paralegals in Iowa with professional development, networking, and career growth.

Paralegal Associations in Iowa

These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.

• Iowa Paralegal Association (IPA): Seeks to advance the legal profession and the status of legal support staff through regular events, continuing education opportunities, and networking events for members.
• Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA): Supports legal professionals throughout the state and maintains a job board for paralegals and legal assistants in their career center.

Additional Resources

• Drake University Law Library: Hosts a comprehensive collection in state, federal, and international law with an entire wing dedicated to its Iowa legal collections.
• Iowa Judicial Branch: Maintains links for all courts in its jurisdiction where users can view court dockets, news of interest, and e-filing systems.
• Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Search for paralegal career opportunities in Iowa on our jobs board.
• State Law Library of Iowa: Hosts a robust collection of sources on Iowa law and legislative history.
• University of Iowa Law Library: Holds one of the largest collections of legal materials in the country, with over 1.3 million volumes and volume equivalents with major collections that include American Law, Foreign, Comparative and International Law, and the renowned Boyd Presidential Collection.

References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm