Missouri Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
While Missouri does not regulate the paralegal profession, employers typically look for paralegal candidates with a combination of experience and education. On this page, you will find up-to-date information on education and recommended training for paralegals, paralegal salary and career outlook, vital resources, and more.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Missouri
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Missouri
The state of Missouri has no explicit requirements for paralegal certification. Therefore, paralegals and legal assistants may follow many career paths. Most entry-level paralegals have earned at least an associate’s degree and taken coursework in legal studies. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Missouri:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
While no formal education is required to pursue the paralegal profession, earning a certificate in legal studies, paralegal associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from one of the paralegal schools in Missouri will qualify you for a variety of paralegal jobs. Two of Missouri’s schools offering paralegal or legal assistant programs are currently approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Many paralegal programs offer internships with law firms, financial institutions, or state government agencies for students to gain experience in a real-world job setting. To increase your chance of success in the profession, seek positions with organizations that will allow you to develop skills and experience. Working closely with other legal professionals and paraprofessionals can help guide your career and prepare you for future advancement.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Missouri does not mandate the certification of paralegals. Voluntary, optional certification programs are available and can help set a prospective paralegal apart in the job market.
Paralegal Certification in Missouri
Missouri state law defines paralegals as paraprofessionals who may perform legal tasks under the direct supervision of a qualified attorney. Upon completion of a Missouri paralegal program, prospective paralegals are encouraged to seek voluntary certification with a national paralegal association such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), or the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI). Passing the certification examinations from these organizations demonstrates a high level of professional achievement within the paralegal field and can make candidates for paralegal jobs in Missouri more competitive. To learn more about national paralegal certification, read our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.
Missouri Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
5.3%
Paralegals in Missouri from 2022-20322
Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,640 paralegals and legal assistants working in Missouri, with an average annual salary of $61,100.3 Projections Central projects 5.3% employment growth in Missouri for paralegals and legal assistants, slightly faster than the growth expected nationally (4.2%).2
Missouri Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5,640 | $61,100 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | 310 | $76,160 |
| Jefferson City | 170 | $49,000 |
| Kansas City | 3,140 | $62,110 |
| St. Louis | 3,030 | $62,840 |
| Springfield | 390 | $54,630 |
Paralegal Employers in Missouri
Law firms, banks, government agencies, and corporations all employ paralegals. Missouri is home to several large law offices, most of which are based in metropolitan areas including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. Smaller firms throughout the state may also offer promising opportunities for paralegals seeking a more personal introduction to the legal profession. Entry-level paralegals seeking experience may also consider working with government agencies early in their careers.
LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Missouri or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and the companies who employ many paralegals. The companies in Missouri with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Husch Blackwell
- Polsinelli
- Sandberg Phoenix
- State of Missouri
- Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
- Thompson Coburn LLP
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Missouri with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Missouri
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.
- Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA): Serves the greater Kansas City metropolitan area by working to develop the paralegal profession through engagement, awareness, and the promotion of continuing legal education.
- Missouri Paralegal Association (MPA): As an affiliate of NFPA, strives to advance the paralegal profession in the state of Missouri.
- St. Louis Paralegal Association (STLPA): As a NALA affiliate, seeks to promote ethical and professional standards for paralegals and provides regular networking opportunities, community service participation, a jobs bank, and an internship/mentorship program.
Additional Resources
- Missouri Paralegal Interview: Our interview with James Daily, the co-author of The Law of Superheroes.
- Missouri Courts: Judicial Branch of Government: Curates links to legal resources including a robust legal library, court dockets, rules and forms, and case search databases.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Search for paralegal jobs in Missouri paralegal jobs.
- University of Missouri-Kansas City Leon E. Bloch Law Library: Serves law students and faculty, local bench and bar members, and the general public with over 70,000 print titles as well as access to subscription databases.
- University of Missouri Law Library: Offers extensive collections of print and electronic legal resources, from local to international, to professionals and the greater university community for research purposes.
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