5 Shocking Facts About Paralegal UK Salary

Oct 20, 2023

Written By Nandini Jadeja

As demand for paralegal work increases, aspiring paralegals have more control and choice over where they choose to work. Among other important factors, the salary a paralegal can expect to get is a crucial factor for individuals considering a paralegal career. This article will provide valuable insights into paralegal salaries, debunking commonly held misconceptions and uncovering the shocking facts about paralegal salaries in the UK.

Shocking Fact #1: Regional Disparities

Paralegal salaries can vary considerably depending on where in the UK you want to work. Paralegals working in London generally tend to be paid the highest, with a salary range of £26,000-£42,000. In the Midlands, the range is £19,000-£42,000, while in West England or Wales, it is £17,000-£42,000. In the North of England or Scotland, the average range is £21,000-£42,000. As with any role, the pay increases with experience and seniority.

Salaries are also higher in cities; which can be attributed to factors such as the local economy, the concentration of law firms in different parts of the country, and the availability/demand for jobs.

Shocking Fact #2: Sector Impact on Salaries

Sector-Specific Salaries: Just as lawyers’ salaries vary depending on the sector they work in, paralegal work is also sector specific. One in three paralegals work in solicitors’ firms, which tend to pay more than in public sector paralegal roles particularly if they are corporate law firms. This is because their (on average) larger budgets and higher value clients mean that they are able to pay their paralegals more. Of these firms, US firms tend to pay the most.

Below is a breakdown of average yearly paralegal salaries in various sectors:

Corporate Paralegal: £31,831
Crown Prosecution Service Paralegals: £27,000
Criminal Law Paralegal: £26,000
Real Estate/Local government/Litigation Paralegals: £25,000
NHS Paralegal - £24,000
Family Law Paralegal - £23,000

Shocking Fact #3: Experience Matters

The average salaries listed above generally represent the salary of a moderately experienced paralegal; entry level and senior level paralegal salaries can vary considerably from these statistics. The experience a paralegal has plays a huge role in determining the salary and type of work that a paralegal can do.

For example, entry level paralegals can expect to earn between £14,000-£22,000. Paralegal apprentice wages reflect the national apprentice average, which is £3.90-£8.21 an hour (depending on age and experience), but most firms will pay above this. Senior paralegals can earn around £50,000, as their years of experience would have allowed them to gain specific skills. This allows them to take higher levels of responsibility, thus earning a higher salary.

Shocking Fact #4: Educational Background

Your education prior to becoming a paralegal also plays a big part of determining your later salary. For example, although an undergraduate degree is not a prerequisite to becoming a paralegal, having a degree tends to increase your entry-level salary. Non-graduate entry level paralegals earn around £14,000-£22,000, while graduate entry level paralegal earn about £18,000-£25,000. Thus, if you are thinking about pursuing a long-term career as a paralegal, you might choose to complete a law degree.

Furthermore, while there are no entry requirements to becoming a paralegal, many employers will ask for paralegal qualifications. These include a Level 3 (A-level equivalent) award, certificate or diploma, a Level 4 (equivalent to a HNC) Diploma or a Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree). All of these courses are offered by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, or NALP. You can also complete a Level 3 Paralegal apprenticeship.

As many paralegals begin their careers with a non-legal or basic legal background, there is a significant focus on continuous learning. Many paralegal qualifications can be taken during your paralegal career. If you choose to specialise in a particular area of law, there are qualifications which provide skills and knowledge in areas like criminal law, litigation, family law and more.

Shocking Fact #5: Non-Monetary Perks

There are many non-financial benefits to being a paralegal. Although company dependent, these can include flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and discounts at local businesses. Paralegal work sticks to a mostly predictable schedule, and there can be considerable variety in the day-to-day work paralegals complete. With paralegals in high demand, there are various opportunities to gain experience and develop your professional skills.

Furthermore, if you’re considering paralegal work before qualifying as a solicitor, being a paralegal is a great way to gain experience in a law firm and receive first-hand experience of tasks that are expected of trainee solicitors. You can even complete paralegal work as part of the Qualifying Work Experience needed to become a solicitor.

Conclusion

Paralegal work is a great way of immersing yourself in a legal environment without committing to being a solicitor, and with 55% of paralegals receiving a pay rise this year, there are considerable perks to becoming a paralegal in 2023!

Although paralegal salaries come with their fair share of shocking facts (regional disparities, impact of educational background), knowing these factors allows you to make an informed decision about entering the legal world as a paralegal, and decide how, where and when you choose to enter the profession.

Paralegal Work