Paralegals and legal assistants in Washington play an important role in the legal system — from preparing legal documents to supporting attorneys in trial preparation and research.
With steady job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies, this is a career that offers both stability and advancement.
One of the best ways to begin your career is by enrolling in an accredited paralegal program.
Below you’ll find top local and online schools near Oak Harbor, plus helpful info on certification and career paths.
Flexible Paralegal Programs
Now Accepting Students in Oak Harbor, Washington:
Paralegal Schools near Oak Harbor
#1
Whatcom Community College
📍
Bellingham, WA
•35 miles away
Located in Bellingham, WA Whatcom Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Located in Lynnwood, WA Edmonds College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.
Located in Des Moines, WA Highline College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Located in Tacoma, WA Tacoma Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Located in Olympia, WA South Puget Sound Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.
Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • Washington
💰Median Pay (2024)
$78,010
$37.50 per hour
💼
Mean Pay (2024)
$83,930 per year$40.35 per hour
🏁
Wage Percentiles
10th Percentile$50,500
$24.28 per hour
25th Percentile$61,070
$29.36 per hour
75th Percentile$101,790
$48.94 per hour
90th Percentile$115,120
$55.34 per hour
🌎
Washington vs U.S.
Median Wage+27.9%
$78,010
$37.50 per hour
Mean Wage+26.2%
$83,930
$40.35 per hour
Percent difference vs U.S.
📊
Employment Outlook
20249,070
Employment: 9,070 jobs
🎯
Additional Details
👥
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
2.56
📐
Employment RSE
6.4%
📦
Total Employment (BLS sample)
9,070 jobs
How to Become a Paralegal in Washington
Complete an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or associate degree program.
Build experience through internships or entry-level roles in law firms, courts, or corporate legal teams.
Earn credentials by sitting for exams such as the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) or NFPA Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE), then maintain continuing education.
How to Choose the Right Paralegal School
Confirm the program is ABA-approved or recommended by your state bar association.
Review coursework for legal research, litigation, contracts, and law office technology.
Compare career services and internship placement to build connections in Washington.
Look for flexible online, evening, or accelerated formats that align with your schedule.
Ask about certification prep for NALA, NFPA, or NALS credentials.
Meet the author:Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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