Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in North Dakota
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota can expect an average annual salary of $59,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,080, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand for legal support services within the state. The lower average salary is often influenced by the state's unique economic landscape and the overall cost of doing business.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, North Dakota presents a modest but stable job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates a concentration of these roles that is below the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated as in other regions. The presence of 1.434 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent, albeit not overwhelming, demand for legal support.
Salary Overview
The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota earns-9.5%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,150
$4,983
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for North Dakota paralegal salary growth is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this profession have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing legal complexity, a growing need for efficient legal services, and the rising cost of living, all of which contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for skilled legal support staff.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in North Dakota
Salary progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight this career trajectory, with senior paralegals often earning well above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to legal practices.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $41,870 | $20.1 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,850 | $21.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $59,910 | $28.8 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $74,750 | $35.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $77,160 | $37.1 |
Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,549
Adjusted for COL (94.1)
The average annual salary of $59,800 in North Dakota should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 94.1. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents. This means that while the absolute salary may be lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also reduced, potentially making the effective income more competitive for those living within the state.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
1.434
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
North Dakota has 0.60x the national average concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.6 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the state is 60% of the national average. This suggests a less competitive and potentially less saturated job market compared to national hubs. While this might mean fewer overall opportunities than in highly concentrated areas, it could also translate to a more accessible market for job seekers looking to enter or advance in the field within North Dakota.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $60,990↑ 2% | 68 mi |
| Minot, ND Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $55,770↓ 7% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Dakota
Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in North Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota is $59,800. This typically ranges from $41,870 for entry-level positions to $77,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Dakota is 9.5% lower than the national median of $66,080.
Is North Dakota a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $59,800 is below the national average of $66,080, indicating lower earning potential. However, the cost of living is also lower, which can partially offset this difference.
Is North Dakota a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Dakota?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bismarck, ND ($60,990) and Minot, ND.
What is the average salary for a Paralegal in North Dakota?
The average annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Dakota is $59,800.
How does North Dakota's cost of living compare to the national average?
North Dakota's Cost of Living Index is 94.1, which is below the national average of 100, meaning it is generally more affordable to live there.
Is the job market for Paralegals strong in North Dakota?
The market is stable with a workforce of 610, but the Location Quotient of 0.6 suggests it's less concentrated than the national average, indicating moderate demand.
How does experience affect a Paralegal's salary in North Dakota?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions paying less and senior roles with specialized skills commanding higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the North Dakota area with a job density of 1.434 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paralegals and Legal Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Dakota