CertOutlook

Paralegal in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary
$54,540
trending_down -10.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering
1,830

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Stable
+0.2%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a paralegal in Rhode Island

To become a paralegal in Rhode Island, there are no mandatory state licensing or certification requirements. However, most employers prefer candidates with a formal education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, or a post-baccalaureate certificate. Voluntary national certifications, like those offered by NALA or NFPA, are available and can enhance professional standing. Paralegals in Rhode Island must work under the direct supervision of an attorney and cannot practice law independently.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,190
25th percentile $45,560
50th (median) $54,540
75th percentile $63,180
90th (experienced) $81,880

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body; voluntary national certification available
State license Not required
EducationMost employers prefer a degree or certificate in paralegal studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, or post-baccalaureate certificate).
NotesThere is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Rhode Island. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) which offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) which offers the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). The Rhode Island Supreme Court Provisional Order No. 18 and Rule 5.3 establish the framework for paralegal work, defining the scope of practice and supervision requirements. Paralegals must work under direct attorney supervision and cannot practice law independently.

Source: No state licensing body; voluntary national certification 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?
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 are the steps to becoming a paralegal in Rhode Island? expand_more
To become a paralegal in Rhode Island, you need to complete the required education (Most employers prefer a degree or certificate in paralegal studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, or post-baccalaureate certificate).).
Can I work as a paralegal in Rhode Island without a license? expand_more
paralegals in Rhode Island are not required to hold a state license. Note: There is no mandatory state licensing or certification required to work as a paralegal in Rhode Island. Regulation is through the supervising attorney. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) which offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) which offers the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). The Rhode Island Supreme Court Provisional Order No. 18 and Rule 5.3 establish the framework for paralegal work, defining the scope of practice and supervision requirements. Paralegals must work under direct attorney supervision and cannot practice law independently.
What do paralegals earn in Rhode Island? expand_more
In Rhode Island, the median pay for paralegals comes to $54,540/year. This trails the $61,010 national median by 11%. The range spans from $39,190 at the entry level to $81,880 for top earners.

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