What was your starting pay? It's my first paralegal job, and I'm currently making $15 an hour as the only paralegal at my firm. I have two young kids to support, and it’s tough to make ends meet. Do you think asking for a $2–$3 raise would be reasonable given my role? I've been there 6 months.

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What state are you in? You should make around $23-28 as a starting salary.

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I was earning $21-$22 per hour in my first paralegal job in 2011. Big law in Atlanta. Check out the Robert Half Legal salary guide to determine what you should be paid.

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It all depends in the state you’re in. I was working in Florida making $17/hr (after 2 raises). Meanwhile when I moved back up North, I was making $35/hr. Keep in mind I have 15+ yrs experience as a Fam Law paralegal. - You may also want to inquire as to whether your employer has yearly reviews, if so, wait until the yearly review.

First paralegal position was $85k/year

What market, what type of law, and do you have any education? If they won't give you a raise, get some experience there and then make a move.

How big is your firm? If your firm is small that would explain things. Yes ask for the $2-3 raise. I would advise to look at midsize firms and in house positions as well. But in this economy, I would tread carefully.

Seriously, I am a senior level of estate planning paralegal. I have over 15 years experience. I was very underpaid at my last job. They paid me 23 an hour. You should be making 25 an hour easy and if they won’t consider it start looking for another job. Paralegal work is hard and most of the time your boss is an ass, so you are underpaid, overworked, and unappreciated. If it doesn’t feel like it’s the right fit keep looking and praying until you find the right fit where you are paid for your worth appreciated for your work And then you don’t feel like you’re overworked.

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