Arizona doesn’t require formal education or certification to work as a paralegal, but employers increasingly prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. The state’s median paralegal salary is $61,220 annually, with strong job growth expected through 2032. Arizona offers 11 ABA-approved and accredited paralegal programs, including online and on-campus options.
Sunshine isn’t the only thing Arizona has going for it. For the state’s paralegals, it’s also where careers are born, and opportunities abound.
Paralegal growth here is primarily tied to the state’s economy, which, according to Forbes, grew an astounding 54% between 2000 and 2021. An interest in the legal field, the proper education and credentials, and a go-getter personality that includes equal parts grit and determination are what you’ll need to become a paralegal in Arizona and open the door to paralegal career opportunities with corporate powerhouses like Phoenix’s Avnet, Tempe U.S. Airways, and Scottsdale’s RSC Holdings, as well as well-known regional law firms like Snell & Wilmer, Sacks Tierney, and Sherman & Howard.
Arizona continues to enjoy a diversified economy, with many companies choosing to relocate and expand their operations here. PetSmart, Banner Health, and Circle K are just some of the big corporate players who not only positively influence a growing economy but are also big employers of paralegals. With a strong skillset backed by a recognized paralegal degree, Arizona’s paralegals lend their services to corporate law departments, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and law firms specializing in everything from litigation to personal injury to bankruptcy to estate law.
Arizona Paralegal Education
While there are requirements for paralegals who choose to become legal document preparers, Arizona doesn’t require a minimum level of education or national certification to work as a paralegal. Thus, aspiring paralegals may choose to enter the profession through on-the-job training, education, or education plus national accreditation.
As the profession of the paralegal has become more widely accepted, it has become necessary for job candidates to distinguish themselves. One way to stand out from the competition is to complete coursework in paralegal studies.
Aspiring paralegals may choose to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or to complete a paralegal certificate program. Once they’ve completed certification or gained sufficient work experience, they may choose to become a certified paralegal.
Many people interchange “certificated” and “certified.” It’s essential to understand the difference between the two and to clarify with a potential employer which type of paralegal they’re hoping to hire.
Arizona was the first state in the nation to allow paralegals to prepare legal documents without a lawyer’s supervision, though they’re limited to providing legal information, not legal advice.
Certification vs. Certificated Paralegals
Certificated paralegals have completed educational coursework in paralegal studies and thereby earned a certificate. Some certificate programs may require that the applicant has earned a degree in another subject and offer the certificate as a supplement to previous education. For example, suppose someone has earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject. In that case, they may complete a certificate program that offers coursework solely related to the paralegal profession, without the usual general education requirements. Other programs may offer a stand-alone certificate. Since there’s such variation in programs, it’s important to research which are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and which are ABA-approved paralegal programs.
National certification is offered by the national paralegal associations. Its purpose is to increase paralegals’ professionalism by certifying that they’ve met the national legal information requirement and are competent in their field.
Certified paralegals are those who have passed such an exam and have been issued certification by a national paralegal association.
Currently there are four national exams from which to select:
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCC also offered by National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP provided by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Salary and Job Market Outlook
Arizona Paralegal Salary Overview
As of May 2024, paralegals in Arizona earned a median annual salary of $61,220, which is about $29.43 per hour. For comprehensive paralegal salary information across different specializations, the state’s paralegals earn an average annual salary of $66,150, or $31.81 per hour. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earn around $39,710 per year, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% earn $97,070 or more annually, about $46.67 per hour.
Gain significant experience and specialize in an area of law that interests you. You’ll quickly climb the career ladder, positioning yourself for a salary that more closely reflects top earners in the field.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $39,710 | $19.09 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,740 | $22.95 |
| Median (50th) | $61,220 | $29.43 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,990 | $37.98 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,070 | $46.67 |
| Mean (Average) | $66,150 | $31.81 |
Job Market Trends
As of May 2024, Arizona had about 6,780 paralegal jobs. Between 2011 and 2021, the American Bar Association reported an increase of 8.4% in the number of active lawyers in the state, and as of 2024, it reports a total of 15,885 Arizona resident lawyers. This type of dynamic growth will likely lead to increased demand for paralegals in the coming years.
The state projects approximately 770 annual paralegal job openings between 2022 and 2032, reflecting steady demand for qualified professionals across various practice areas.
Paralegal Salary by City in Arizona
Phoenix and Yuma came out on top for offering competitive average salaries in Arizona. Phoenix is one of the key locations benefiting from Arizona’s status as a leading center for automotive research. General Motors, Google, and Uber are all testing self-driving vehicles in the Phoenix metro area. Paralegals with experience in paralegal specializations such as intellectual property and patent law are especially likely to benefit from this type of growth.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $69,180 ($33.26 hourly) | $99,290 ($47.74 hourly) |
| Yuma | $58,820 ($28.28 hourly) | $82,220 ($39.53 hourly) |
| Flagstaff | $58,380 ($28.07 hourly) | $78,600 ($37.79 hourly) |
| Prescott | $57,440 ($27.61 hourly) | $82,010 ($39.43 hourly) |
| Tucson | $56,900 ($27.35 hourly) | $80,600 ($38.75 hourly) |
| Lake Havasu City | $53,420 ($25.68 hourly) | $79,160 ($38.06 hourly) |
| Rural Arizona | $50,870 ($24.46 hourly) | $78,460 ($37.72 hourly) |
| Sierra Vista | $50,850 ($24.45 hourly) | $83,700 ($40.24 hourly) |
Arizona Paralegal Programs
The body of knowledge required to perform legal support services effectively can only be acquired through formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to assume has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Arizona have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only be gained through earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Fresh out of high school and eager to begin your career as a paralegal? Already been holding it down and ruling the law firm with your paralegal mastery, but looking to take your career to the next level by specializing in a specific area of law?
Choosing a paralegal program that will help you reach your goals is a big decision. With such a large selection of options available, we understand that making that decision can be totally overwhelming.
What we’ve done here is simplify things a bit by listing our top picks for schools with online programs or a campus presence in Arizona. Our selections are entirely based on the quality of the school and the programs it offers. That’s why our curated list only includes schools that have received regional or national accreditation. Many schools offer online paralegal certificate programs that provide flexibility for working professionals.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a 4-year public college with its main campus in Tempe with additional campus locations in Cochise, Lake Havasu, Pima, Pinal, the Gila Valley, Tucson, Yavapai, Yuma, and Phoenix.
Paralegal Certificate – Online
Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College is a 2-year public institution with its campus located in Yuma.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – On Campus
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – On Campus
Bryan University
Bryan University is a 4-year private college located in Tempe, Arizona.
Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies – Online
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies – Online
Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College is a 2-year school located in Kingman.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Paralegal – Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online (undergraduate, pre-degree)
National Paralegal College
National Paralegal College (NPC) is a distance learning institution; the admissions office is located in Phoenix.
Associate of Paralegal Studies – Online
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Phoenix College
Phoenix College is a 2-year public college located in Phoenix and is part of the Maricopa County Community College District.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – On-Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate of Completion (CCL) – On-Campus (post-associate)
Pima Community College
Pima Community College is a 2-year public community college in Tucson.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – On-Campus
Paralegal Post-Degree Certificate – On-Campus (post-associate)
Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College is a 2-year public college located in Tempe. Rio Salado College is also a joint member of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD).
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal – Online
Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Paralegal – Online (undergraduate, pre-degree)
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College is a 2-year public institution located in Scottsdale.
Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Law and Policy – On Campus
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a 4-year public institution with a campus location in Tucson.
Bachelor of Arts in Law – On Campus, Online
Health Law for Health Professionals Graduate Certificate – Online
Regulatory Science Graduate Certificate – Online
Aging Law and Policy Graduate Certificate – Online
Health Information, Privacy, Compliance, and Data Security Graduate Certificate – Online
Yavapai College
Yavapai College is a 2-year public college located in Prescott.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Paralegal Studies – Online
Professional Paralegal Associations
Paralegals can choose from several professional associations in Arizona.
Arizona Paralegal Association (APA)
The Arizona Paralegal Association (APA), which is affiliated with NALA, was founded in 1977 and has grown to include over 400 members. One of its goals is to further the paralegal professional, which it does by supporting professional development, encouraging high standards and ethics, advocating for the profession with local and state bar associations, and serving as a clearinghouse for information about legal assistants. The APA keeps its members up to date by offering “learn at lunch” seminars, annual Legal Seminars, and many online resources, including updates on federal rules.
Tucson Paralegal Association (TPA)
Tucson Paralegal Association (TPA) – An affiliate of NALA, the TPA offers four types of membership:
Active Membership – Eligibility requires meeting one of the following:
- Graduate from an ABA-approved paralegal studies program
- Graduate from an institutionally accredited paralegal studies program that is at least 60 semester credits
- Graduate from a paralegal studies program, plus six months of in-house paralegal training
- Graduate from a bachelor’s degree program in any subject, plus six months of in-house paralegal training
- Have at least three years of law-related experience that includes six months of in-house paralegal training
- Have at least two years of in-house training as a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney
- Passage of NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam
Associate Membership – Eligibility requires meeting one of the following:
- Have seven years of law-related experience under the supervision of a member of the bar association
- Have the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)/Certified Legal Professional (CLP) credential sponsored by the paralegal association NALS
Student Membership – Open to any student enrolled in good standing at any school who is pursuing legal studies
Affiliated Memberships:
- Society – Open to any local or state organization in harmony with the Arizona Paralegal Association or NALA
- Individual – Open to:
- Any currently employed paralegal whose field of expertise requires specialized training in an ancillary area
- Any member of the Bar Association who endorses the concept of paralegals/legal assistants
- Any member of the educational field who supports the idea of paralegals/legal assistants
Maricopa County Association of Paralegals (MCAP)
Maricopa County Association of Paralegals (MCAP) (formerly Legal Assistants of Metropolitan Phoenix (LAMP)) – Affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the MCAP offers three levels of membership:
- Active
- Associate
- Student
NALS of Tucson and Southern Arizona
NALS of Tucson and Southern Arizona – A NALS affiliate, membership is offered on these levels:
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature, such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years before retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
NALS of Phoenix
NALS of Phoenix – A NALS affiliate, this organization offers these levels of membership:
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years before retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals (AZAIP)
The Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals (AZAIP) is comprised mainly of paralegals who are also legal document preparers. Their mission is focused outwardly on providing affordable legal services to Arizona residents and protecting access to those rights, including advocating for the continued employment of legal document preparers. They help interested people become court document preparers by offering exam preparation, continuing education, seminars, and classes.
Major Law Firms in Arizona
Large law firms are often large employers of paralegals. Most of these firms are located in Arizona’s larger cities, like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson.
- Snell & Wilmer LLP
- Lewis and Roca LLP
- Fennemore Craig, P.C.
- The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.
- Quarles & Brady
- Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
- Bryan Cave
- Steptoe & Johnson
- Perkins Coie
Important Contacts for Arizona Paralegals
- Arizona Judicial Branch – Information about the Legal Document Preparer Program
- Arizona Paralegal Association, affiliated with NALA
- Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals
- Arizona Bar Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona require paralegals to be certified?
No, Arizona doesn’t require paralegals to hold formal education credentials or national certification to work in the field. Employers increasingly prefer candidates with associate or bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, but it’s not a legal requirement. Arizona does have specific requirements for legal document preparers, which is a separate designation.
What’s the difference between a certificated and certified paralegal in Arizona?
A certificated paralegal has completed an educational certificate program in paralegal studies from a college or university. A certified paralegal has passed a national certification exam from organizations like NALA or NFPA. Many employers prefer certified paralegals because the credential demonstrates mastery of legal knowledge and professional competence.
How much do paralegals make in Arizona?
As of May 2024, the median paralegal salary in Arizona is $61,220 annually or $29.43 per hour. Entry-level paralegals earn around $39,710, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% earn $97,070 or more. Salaries vary by location, with Phoenix offering the highest average at $69,180 annually.
Can I work as a paralegal in Arizona with just on-the-job training?
Yes, it’s legally possible to work as a paralegal in Arizona with only on-the-job training since the state doesn’t mandate formal education. Arizona was the first state to allow paralegals to work without direct attorney supervision in specific capacities. However, most employers now prefer or require candidates to have completed a formal paralegal education program to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills.
Are online paralegal programs accepted in Arizona?
Yes, online paralegal programs are widely accepted in Arizona. Several Arizona colleges offer fully online paralegal degrees and certificates, including Arizona State University, Mohave Community College, Bryan University, and Rio Salado College. Choose programs that are regionally accredited and, ideally, ABA-approved to ensure employer recognition.
What is a legal document preparer in Arizona?
Arizona was the first state to allow paralegals to become legal document preparers who can work independently of attorney supervision. Legal document preparers can help people prepare legal documents, but cannot provide legal advice. This designation requires specific certification through the Arizona Supreme Court and allows paralegals to offer services directly to the public for specific legal matters.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Arizona?
The timeline depends on your educational path. An associate degree in paralegal studies typically takes two years of full-time study, while a bachelor’s degree requires four years. Certificate programs can be completed in as little as a few months to one year. If you pursue national certification after completing your education, the exam preparation and testing process can add several months.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in Arizona?
The job outlook for paralegals in Arizona is strong. The state projects approximately 770 annual job openings for 2022-2032. Arizona’s growing economy, increasing number of active lawyers (15,885 as of 2024), and expansion of major corporations all contribute to steady demand for qualified paralegals across various legal specializations.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona doesn’t require formal education or certification for paralegals, but employers strongly prefer candidates with degrees
- The median paralegal salary in Arizona is $61,220 annually, with top earners making $97,070 or more
- Arizona offers 11 accredited paralegal programs, including multiple online and on-campus options
- The state projects 770 annual paralegal job openings through 2032, indicating strong career prospects
- Arizona was the first state to allow paralegals to work as legal document preparers without attorney supervision
- Phoenix offers the highest average paralegal salaries in the state at $69,180 annually
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Arizona?
Explore accredited paralegal programs and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career in the Grand Canyon State.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
