Paralegal in Missouri

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

Median annual salary
$58,730
trending_down -3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering
6,410

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Stable
+0.2%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a paralegal in Missouri

In Missouri, there are no mandatory state licensing or certification requirements for paralegals. Paralegals operate under the supervision of attorneys, who are ultimately responsible for their work. While not required, aspiring paralegals are encouraged to pursue education in paralegal studies and may obtain voluntary national certification through organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) to enhance their career prospects.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,400
25th percentile $45,590
50th (median) $58,730
75th percentile $71,310
90th (experienced) $84,610

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body
State license Not required
NotesThere is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Missouri. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

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 Missouri? expand_more
Reach out to Missouri's licensing board for the current paralegal certification pathway.
Can I work as a paralegal in Missouri without a license? expand_more
Missouri does not require a state license for paralegals. Note: There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Missouri. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
How much does a paralegal make in Missouri? expand_more
In Missouri, the median pay for paralegals comes to $58,730/year. — within a few percent of the $61,010 national figure. New paralegals start around $37,400; seasoned professionals can reach $84,610.

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