Paralegal in Kansas

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

Median annual salary
$48,910
trending_down -19.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kansas.

engineering
2,330

Jobs (KS)

monitoring Stable
+0.2%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a paralegal in Kansas

To become a paralegal in Kansas, there are no mandatory state licensing or certification requirements. However, pursuing voluntary national certification through organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. While formal education is not mandated, most employers expect paralegals to have specialized education such as an ABA-approved paralegal program, an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in any field combined with paralegal training or experience. Paralegals in Kansas perform substantive legal tasks under the direct supervision of an attorney, who is responsible for their professional actions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,110
25th percentile $42,740
50th (median) $48,910
75th percentile $63,090
90th (experienced) $80,240

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

checklist Kansas requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body; voluntary national certifications available
State license Not required
EducationNot mandated, but formal education (e.g., ABA-approved paralegal program, associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, or bachelor's degree in any subject plus paralegal training/experience) is highly recommended and often expected by employers.
NotesThere is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Kansas. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offering the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offering the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). The Kansas Bar Association has outlined criteria to guide employers in hiring qualified paralegals, which include graduating from an ABA-approved paralegal program, passing a national certification exam, completing a bachelor's degree with one year of in-house training, or five years of legal work experience under a lawyer. Minimum age is not specified for working as a paralegal, but educational programs will have their own age/admission requirements.

Source: No state licensing body; voluntary national certifications available

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?
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a paralegal in Kansas? expand_more
To become a paralegal in Kansas, you need to complete the required education (Not mandated, but formal education (e.g., ABA-approved paralegal program, associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, or bachelor's degree in any subject plus paralegal training/experience) is highly recommended and often expected by employers.).
Can I work as a paralegal in Kansas without a license? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a paralegal in Kansas. Note: There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Kansas. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offering the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offering the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). The Kansas Bar Association has outlined criteria to guide employers in hiring qualified paralegals, which include graduating from an ABA-approved paralegal program, passing a national certification exam, completing a bachelor's degree with one year of in-house training, or five years of legal work experience under a lawyer. Minimum age is not specified for working as a paralegal, but educational programs will have their own age/admission requirements.
How much do paralegals make in Kansas? expand_more
Kansas paralegals bring home a median salary of $48,910. This trails the $61,010 national median by 20%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,110, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $80,240.

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