States with the Highest Wages
It seems like the slogan for everything financial these days is “location, location, location.” Whether it’s real estate or job hunting, location is the most influential factor when it comes to maximizing your outcome.
Careers are no different. In fact, you can greatly increase your salary just by choosing the best location to live and work. You would be surprised to learn the degree to which salaries in a single profession can vary! A paralegal's salarly is definitely a good example - you can see this simply by looking at salaries for this field in different parts of the country.
Paralegals in the District of Columbia are paid the most compared to any other state. They earn an average annual income of $61,660. Paralegals in New York City earn an average annual income of $57,910. In California, paralegals are also paid very well, with an average annual income of $56,400. Believe it or not, Alaska is among the highest paying states for paralegals, with professionals earning $53,830 annually on average. Illinois is the fifth highest paying state for paralegals where they earn $52,330 annually.
In a profession where some earn as little as $35,000 in some industries and regions, salaries in the highest paying states are staggering. However, it’s important to consider cost of living when evaluating any salary for any profession. It’s no coincidence that many of the highest paying states are also the most costly states in which you can live. Also remember that the average starting paralegal salary is often lower than what you will earn after you gain experience.
States with the Highest Employment Levels
Everybody wants to earn a great living. A good salary helps us take care of our families, plan for the future, and even feel good about ourselves. A high income can even boost confidence. But sometimes even the highest paying jobs won’t bring the kind of job security everyone is looking for. Knowing you can always find a job in your desired field is priceless, especially in difficult economic times.
Certain states have more demand for various professionals and therefore have higher employment levels for those fields. In the paralegal profession, states with the highest salaries are not always the same states with the highest employment levels. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still earn a great income as a paralegal.
The states with the highest employment levels for paralegals are the District of Columbia, New York, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. In terms of salary, these states are all across the board. The District of Columbia promises the highest salary at $61,660 on average. New York is second, with an average annual income of $57,910. Delaware promises average salaries around $51,020. In Connecticut, paralegals stand to earn an annual salary of $49,590. And in West Virginia, paralegals earn an average annual income of $36,620.
The paralegal profession is always growing. But by living in an area that employs paralegals at a high rate, you can not only ensure a good salary but a solid future for your career and for your family.
