How to Become A Paralegal in Virginia
Virginia employs approximately 10,250 paralegals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,990 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 Virginia, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Paralegal in Virginia
How do I become a paralegal in Virginia? Virginia 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? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Virginia? 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 Virginia? The median annual wage for paralegals in Virginia is $63,990 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,860 and experienced professionals can earn $100,550 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Virginia): $63,990 per year 1
Paralegal Certification Options in Virginia
Virginia 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 Virginia for details on certification preparation courses.
Paralegal Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), paralegals and legal assistants wages in Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 12,990 | $81,590 | $87,900 | $57,160 | $126,020 |
| Richmond | 1,930 | $62,940 | $67,940 | $48,400 | $91,960 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,670 | $59,790 | $60,600 | $47,460 | $77,720 |
| Roanoke | 390 | $60,060 | $59,920 | $45,790 | $78,040 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 200 | $54,210 | $56,540 | $39,760 | $78,370 |
| Charlottesville | 190 | $59,740 | $62,360 | $45,990 | $82,130 |
| Lynchburg | 140 | $50,660 | $55,330 | $38,570 | $77,440 |
| Harrisonburg | 110 | $50,870 | $58,290 | $41,320 | $79,900 |
| Winchester | 80 | $58,640 | $61,420 | $43,940 | $79,890 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | 70 | $58,320 | $58,620 | $42,750 | $78,830 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | 50 | $50,890 | $56,710 | $41,130 | $78,860 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Paralegals in Virginia
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest paralegal employment within Virginia according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 1,930 | $62,940 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,670 | $59,790 |
| Roanoke | 390 | $60,060 |
| Charlottesville | 190 | $59,740 |
| Lynchburg | 140 | $50,660 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for paralegals in Virginia? Virginia currently employs approximately 10,250 paralegals 1. Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Virginia.
How much do paralegals earn in Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paralegals in Virginia is $63,990, which is $2,980 above the national median of $61,010 according to BLS data 1.
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) |