Paralegal in Maryland

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

Median annual salary

$63,560

trending_up +4.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering

5,770

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Stable

+0.2%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies by education and experience

Time to complete

route How to become a paralegal in Maryland

To become a paralegal in Maryland, there is no mandatory state licensing or certification. However, voluntary national certifications, such as the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) or the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), can enhance career prospects. These certifications generally require a combination of education (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field) and/or experience, and passing a competency exam. The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) does not license paralegals but offers associate memberships and has a Paralegal Task Force to support the profession.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,820

25th percentile $50,650

50th (median) $63,560

75th percentile $80,330

90th (experienced) $99,520

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing body	No mandatory state licensing body; voluntary certification available through national organizations
State license	Not required
Education	Varies by certification, generally an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field, or a paralegal certificate.
Exam	Varies by certification (e.g., Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE), Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE)) ($250)
Notes	There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Maryland. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) offers associate membership to paralegals and has a Paralegal Task Force.

Source: No mandatory state licensing body; voluntary certification available through national organizations

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

How do you get certified as a paralegal in Maryland? expand_more

In Maryland, becoming a paralegal requires you to complete the required education (Varies by certification, generally an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field, or a paralegal certificate.), and pass the Varies by certification (e.g., Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE), Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE)).

Can I work as a paralegal in Maryland without a license? expand_more

Maryland does not require a state license for paralegals. Note: There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Maryland. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) offers associate membership to paralegals and has a Paralegal Task Force.

How much does a paralegal make in Maryland? expand_more

paralegals in Maryland earn a median of $63,560 annually. That's roughly in line with the $61,010 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $45,820, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $99,520.

How much does it cost to become a paralegal in Maryland? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($250) and required training.

How long does it take to become a paralegal in Maryland? expand_more

The typical timeline in Maryland is Varies by education and experience. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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