Paralegal in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$46,940
trending_down -23.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering
1,400

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Stable
+0.2%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a paralegal in Arkansas

To become a paralegal in Arkansas, there are no state-mandated licensing or certification requirements. While formal education is not strictly required, most employers prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certificate. Aspiring paralegals can also pursue voluntary national certifications, such as the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, to enhance their credentials and demonstrate a commitment to the profession. The supervising attorney is responsible for the paralegal's professional actions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,740
25th percentile $38,460
50th (median) $46,940
75th percentile $57,660
90th (experienced) $77,330

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body
State license Not required
EducationWhile no specific degree is mandated, employers increasingly prefer candidates with a formal paralegal education, such as an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or a certificate in paralegal studies. Voluntary national certifications (e.g., NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) exam or NFPA's Professional Paralegal exam) typically require specific education and/or experience.
NotesThere is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Arkansas. Regulation is through the supervising attorney, who assumes responsibility for the paralegal's professional actions. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). There are no state-specific minimum age requirements.

Source: No state licensing body

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+0.2%
Average
Annual openings
39,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
376,200
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 1.29/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • warningElevated AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a paralegal career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a paralegal in Arkansas? expand_more
In Arkansas, becoming a paralegal requires you to complete the required education (While no specific degree is mandated, employers increasingly prefer candidates with a formal paralegal education, such as an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or a certificate in paralegal studies. Voluntary national certifications (e.g., NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) exam or NFPA's Professional Paralegal exam) typically require specific education and/or experience.).
Is a state license required for paralegals in Arkansas? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a paralegal in Arkansas. Note: There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Arkansas. Regulation is through the supervising attorney, who assumes responsibility for the paralegal's professional actions. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). There are no state-specific minimum age requirements.
What is the average paralegal salary in Arkansas? expand_more
Arkansas paralegals bring home a median salary of $46,940. — 23% under the $61,010 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $34,740, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $77,330.

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