How to Become a Paralegal in Georgia (2026)
Georgia employs about 14,160 paralegals earning a median $62,400 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most paralegals train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
Compare Paralegal Schools in Georgia
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens Technical College | 54.3 | $3,390 in-state / $5,958 out-of-state | $47,299 | 51% | Yes* | 81 mi |
| 2 | Southern Crescent Technical College | 54.3 | $3,516 in-state / $6,084 out-of-state | $47,009 | 58% | Yes* | 31 mi |
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| 3 | Chattahoochee Technical College | 52.1 | $3,540 in-state / $6,108 out-of-state | $45,209 | 38% | Yes* | 78 mi |
| 4 | Atlanta Technical College | 47.9 | $3,382 in-state / $5,950 out-of-state | $40,964 | 49% | Yes* | 61 mi |
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| 5 | Columbus Technical College | 47.2 | $4,052 in-state / $7,262 out-of-state | $43,818 | 27% | Yes* | 65 mi |
| 6 | Central Georgia Technical College | 46.5 | $3,448 in-state / $6,016 out-of-state | $42,979 | 47% | Yes* | 30 mi |
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| 7 | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | 44.5 | $3,386 in-state / $5,954 out-of-state | $46,601 | 44% | Yes* | 64 mi |
| 8 | Georgia Military College | 34.1 | $8,112 | $39,508 | 38% | Yes* | 42 mi |
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| 9 | Gwinnett College-Marietta Campus | 24.0 | Contact school for pricing | $38,438 | 31% | — | 76 mi |
| 10 | Gwinnett College-Lilburn | 22.4 | $11,300 | Not reported | 58% | — | 68 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Georgia employs approximately 14,160 paralegals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $62,400 1. Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 39,300 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Paralegal in Georgia, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (Georgia): $62,400 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Paralegal in Georgia
How to become a Paralegal in Georgia? Georgia does not require a state license for paralegals, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CP (Certified Paralegal) and AAfPE Certificate. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? paralegal training length in Georgia varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
Do I need a license in Georgia? No state license is required, but certifications such as CP (Certified Paralegal) and AAfPE Certificate are expected by most employers.
What do paralegals earn in Georgia? The median annual wage for paralegals in Georgia is $62,400 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,530 and experienced professionals can earn $101,210 or more 1.
How to Become a Paralegal in Georgia
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Georgia training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved paralegal program in Georgia that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Georgia does not require a statewide license, earn CP (Certified Paralegal) to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Paralegal Certification Options in Georgia
Georgia does not require a state license to work as a paralegal. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for paralegals include:
- CP (Certified Paralegal)
- AAfPE Certificate
For more information, visit the NALA - Paralegal Association 3. Contact training programs in Georgia for details on certification preparation courses.
Paralegal Wages by Metro Area in Georgia
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), paralegals and legal assistants wages in Georgia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 10,290 | $64,080 | $76,560 | $45,500 | $105,310 |
| Savannah | 610 | $60,370 | $60,860 | $40,910 | $82,640 |
| Chattanooga | 530 | $59,290 | $58,580 | $38,840 | $81,470 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | 420 | $51,560 | $58,900 | $40,130 | $81,330 |
| Macon-Bibb County | 350 | $49,780 | $56,400 | $37,200 | $81,050 |
| Columbus | 220 | $52,280 | $53,840 | $37,360 | $80,790 |
| Athens-Clarke County | 200 | $48,840 | $56,420 | $37,560 | $77,840 |
| Gainesville | 200 | $56,200 | $56,930 | $38,980 | $79,500 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons | 170 | $50,690 | $56,020 | $39,420 | $73,050 |
| Albany | 140 | $49,210 | $52,330 | $37,100 | $72,450 |
| Valdosta | 140 | $48,150 | $53,320 | $38,690 | $69,230 |
| Warner Robins | 110 | $50,340 | $55,510 | $38,060 | $75,850 |
| Rome | 90 | $49,140 | $57,460 | $37,630 | $79,440 |
| Dalton | 80 | $47,780 | $51,420 | $37,320 | $72,870 |
| Hinesville | 70 | $49,780 | $56,040 | $36,060 | $78,850 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for paralegals in Georgia? Georgia currently employs approximately 14,160 paralegals 1. Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Georgia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Georgia.
How much do paralegals earn in Georgia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paralegals in Georgia is $62,400, which is $1,390 above the national median of $61,010 according to BLS data 1.
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In Georgia
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NALA - Paralegal Association: https://www.nala.org/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |