Paralegal in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$67,320

trending_up +10.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

6,640

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Stable

+0.2%

10-yr job growth

schedule

Varies significantly based on education and experience.

Time to complete

route How to become a paralegal in Minnesota

Minnesota does not mandate state licensing for paralegals. However, the Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA) offers a voluntary Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential, which requires specific combinations of education and experience. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has a Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project, effective January 1, 2025, allowing approved legal paraprofessionals to provide limited legal advice and representation in certain housing and family law matters under attorney supervision. To participate in this pilot project, individuals must meet specific education or experience requirements, satisfy ethics and continuing education requirements, and have a written agreement with a supervising attorney.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $44,800

25th percentile $55,950

50th (median) $67,320

75th percentile $82,460

90th (experienced) $98,480

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Paralegal Association (for voluntary MnCP credential); Minnesota Judicial Branch (for Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project)
State license	Not required
Education	Varies depending on the certification path. For MnCP: Associate's degree in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 4 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 2 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in any discipline and post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 2 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in any discipline and 4 years experience; OR PACE Registered Paralegal; OR CORE Registered Paralegal or Certified Paralegal (NALA) and 4 years experience; OR High school diploma/equivalent, 10 years experience, and 10 CLE credits (2 ethics) in prior 2 years. For Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in paralegal studies from an institutionally accredited school; OR paralegal certificate from an institutionally accredited school in addition to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in any subject from an institutionally accredited school; OR a law degree from an ABA accredited school; OR a high school diploma with 5 years of substantive paralegal experience.
Exam	No state-mandated exam. The Minnesota Paralegal Association offers the Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential, which does not require a separate exam but has education and experience requirements. National exams like NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) exam are also available.
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	10.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minnesota does not have mandatory state licensing for paralegals. The Minnesota Paralegal Association offers a voluntary Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has a Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project, effective January 1, 2025, which allows approved legal paraprofessionals to provide limited legal advice and representation in specific housing and family law cases under attorney supervision. To participate in the pilot project, legal paraprofessionals must meet specific education/experience and ethics/CLE requirements, and have a written agreement with a supervisory attorney. There is no fee to be on the roster for the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project. The MnCP renewal fee is $30 for MPA members and $60 for non-members.

Source: Minnesota Paralegal Association (for voluntary MnCP credential); Minnesota Judicial Branch (for Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project)

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 I become a paralegal in Minnesota? expand_more

In Minnesota, becoming a paralegal requires you to complete the required education (Varies depending on the certification path. For MnCP: Associate's degree in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 4 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 2 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in any discipline and post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies (ABA approved or institutionally accredited) and 2 years experience; OR Baccalaureate degree in any discipline and 4 years experience; OR PACE Registered Paralegal; OR CORE Registered Paralegal or Certified Paralegal (NALA) and 4 years experience; OR High school diploma/equivalent, 10 years experience, and 10 CLE credits (2 ethics) in prior 2 years. For Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in paralegal studies from an institutionally accredited school; OR paralegal certificate from an institutionally accredited school in addition to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in any subject from an institutionally accredited school; OR a law degree from an ABA accredited school; OR a high school diploma with 5 years of substantive paralegal experience.), and pass the No state-mandated exam. The Minnesota Paralegal Association offers the Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential, which does not require a separate exam but has education and experience requirements. National exams like NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) exam are also available..

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

paralegals in Minnesota are not required to hold a state license. Note: Minnesota does not have mandatory state licensing for paralegals. The Minnesota Paralegal Association offers a voluntary Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has a Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project, effective January 1, 2025, which allows approved legal paraprofessionals to provide limited legal advice and representation in specific housing and family law cases under attorney supervision. To participate in the pilot project, legal paraprofessionals must meet specific education/experience and ethics/CLE requirements, and have a written agreement with a supervisory attorney. There is no fee to be on the roster for the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project. The MnCP renewal fee is $30 for MPA members and $60 for non-members.

What do paralegals earn in Minnesota? expand_more

The median paralegal salary in Minnesota is $67,320 per year. That's 10% above the national median of $61,010. New paralegals start around $44,800; seasoned professionals can reach $98,480.

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

Most candidates in Minnesota complete the process in Varies significantly based on education and experience., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do paralegals need in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes — paralegals in Minnesota must complete 10.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.