I'm wondering the typical salary range for paralegals with a certification from an ABA-approved program. I'm working in Bloomfield Hills and was hired on at $40k as I had not yet completed the program. A classmate of mine was hired at $45k despite being in the same situation.

I understand that experience plays a role in salary, but I need some insight into the difference in pay to be expected with further education (already hold a Bachelor's degree). Thank you!

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Agree with Paralegal 1. In the Atlanta area, it's more about experience than degrees or certificates, unless it's Big Law. I'm currently dealing with a new hire who thinks her liberal arts undergrad degree trumps my 20+ years of experience.

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Well, we KNOW it does not. I can't help but laugh at the degree holder. Wait until that new hire needs something, knowledge, answer, help. GUESS who she will be coming to. It isn't going to be her school books in Liberal arts. (BIG SMILE). Then maybe she will learn some respect.

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Experience, area of law, and practice location all impact pay more than the certificate.

For reference, I was making 45k as a secretary. Once certificated and with a year of practice I was up to 60k. At 4 years experience I was at 80k. I hit 100k after 8 years of experience. Transactional law (real estate and corporate). Los Angeles area small and mid-law.

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Do you also hold a bachelor's degree? I had a B.S. when I finished my ABA certification, and I received an offer for $55k. When your company hired you, how close to graduation were you?

I now make over $120k in a remote position for a company in the Boston area. I typically work at a company for 2 to 3 years and then move on for more experience and money.

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