Paralegals in Washington, D.C. earn a median $89,750 per year, or $43.15 per hour, the highest among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and well above the $62,890 national median. The District sets no degree, license, or certification requirement. Employers set their own standards, and paralegal education or certification can strengthen an application.
Washington, D.C. pays paralegals more than any state in the country. Both new and established paralegals find opportunities in the District with federal agencies like ICE, NASA, FEMA, and the Department of the Treasury. Major law firms focusing on immigration law and federal courts actively recruit paralegals, as do nonprofit public policy organizations such as the Brookings Institution and advocacy groups such as Planned Parenthood Federation of America. National staffing firms like Robert Half also maintain a strong presence in the District.
High pay comes with high expectations. D.C. employers hire from a deep pool of credentialed candidates, so most people entering the field here do so through a paralegal program rather than on-the-job training alone.
This guide covers what it takes to become a paralegal in Washington, D.C., including the education employers actually look for, the certification options worth considering, current salary data, and the agencies and firms doing the hiring.
Adjunct Instructor, Legal Assistant Program, University of the District of Columbia Community College. Legal Writing Instructor, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law.
Janet earned her J.D. at San Joaquin College of Law and has been admitted to the California Bar since 1997. She has taught in UDC Community College’s paralegal program since 2015 and added a legal writing role at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law in 2018, holding both concurrently. She spoke to us about teaching students how to find answers they weren’t handed, and about the time she spends on client interviewing. Both bear on the range of work D.C. attorneys delegate, which is the subject of much of this page.
Interviewed for our faculty series. Not an author of this page.
How to Become a Paralegal in Washington, D.C.
There’s no D.C. paralegal license to apply for and no District exam you’re required to pass. Employers set their own education, experience, and skill requirements instead, which is why the practical path into the field looks the way it does. Here’s the sequence most people follow.
1. Choose an Education Path That Matches Where You Are
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, a post-baccalaureate or graduate paralegal certificate is usually the fastest route. Length varies by program, and D.C.-area options run from roughly nine months to a year or more. If you’re starting fresh, an associate degree in paralegal studies takes about two years. A bachelor’s degree in legal studies takes four and carries the most weight with federal agencies and large firms. All three paths are available in the District.
2. Check ABA Approval and Institutional Accreditation
Some D.C. employers value graduation from an American Bar Association-approved paralegal program, and some job postings ask for it by name. Requirements vary widely, though. Federal Paralegal Specialist positions in the GS-0950 series carry no government-wide requirement that applicants graduate from an ABA-approved program, so read the actual vacancy announcement rather than assuming. Note also that ABA approval applies to a specific paralegal program, not to a university as a whole, and it’s separate from institutional accreditation. Confirm both before you enroll.
3. Get Practical Experience Before You Graduate
Internships and clinical placements are where classroom skills turn into a résumé. D.C.’s concentration of courts, agencies, and firms makes placements easier to find here than almost anywhere else. Ask any program you’re considering how it places students and who helps with that.
4. Consider National Certification
Certification is voluntary in D.C., and it isn’t a substitute for education or experience. It does give hiring managers a verifiable credential to evaluate, which counts for something in a crowded applicant pool. The certification section below covers the credentials currently available and who each one is designed for.
5. Target the Employers That Hire at Volume
Federal agencies, District agencies and courts, large multinational firms, corporations, nonprofits, and legal staffing agencies all hire paralegals in the region. Each has different expectations around clearances, credentials, and specialization. The employers section further down names many of them.
Education Requirements for Paralegals in Washington, D.C.
Understanding D.C.’s Regulatory Framework
D.C. Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3 is titled Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants, and that’s what it governs. It doesn’t define paralegals or create a formal category of legal paraprofessional. Lawyers with managerial authority in a firm must make reasonable efforts to put measures in place that give reasonable assurance a nonlawyer’s conduct is compatible with a lawyer’s professional obligations, and lawyers with direct supervisory authority over a nonlawyer must make reasonable efforts to the same end. A lawyer becomes professionally responsible for a nonlawyer’s misconduct in the specific circumstances Rule 5.3(c) describes, such as ordering or ratifying the conduct, or learning of it in time to avoid or mitigate the consequences and failing to act.
The rule places obligations on lawyers, not qualifications on paralegals. It sets no degree, certificate, license, or certification requirement for the paralegals themselves.
Training Pathways: On-the-Job vs. Formal Education
Because there are no formal requirements for paralegal training in the District of Columbia, aspiring paralegals may begin their careers by either finding employment that provides on-the-job training or completing an educational program. This flexibility means you can technically enter the field through direct hire if you can find an employer willing to train you.
In D.C.’s competitive job market, an increasing number of paralegals choose to earn certificates, degrees, or national certification to stand out from other job candidates. Formal education isn’t legally required, and it isn’t a universal employer requirement either, but it does improve competitiveness for many of the positions worth wanting here.
Why Formal Education Matters in D.C.’s Competitive Market
Many paralegals do gain essential legal skills through on-the-job experience or self-directed learning. 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 Washington, D.C. have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that formal paralegal studies provide.
No matter where you are in your career, whether you’re in the early planning stages or looking to move forward in your current position, choosing the right program is a significant decision. Nowhere is this truer than in Washington, D.C., where entry-level paralegal jobs and promotions with top law firms are highly competitive and employer expectations are high. Relevant education, substantive experience, research and writing ability, and legal technology skills all help distinguish applicants in a market this crowded.
Faculty Voice
“Because of this, it’s not possible to teach a paralegal student everything that they might need to do for the job, but I do try and teach them how to seek out that information when asked to do a task they might have not have done before.”
Adjunct Instructor, Legal Assistant Program, University of the District of Columbia Community College
That’s a useful test to apply when you’re comparing programs. A curriculum that trains you to find answers you weren’t handed prepares you for the range of assignments D.C. attorneys actually delegate.
Certification vs. Certificated Paralegals in D.C.
Sometimes employers use the terms “certified” and “certificated” paralegals interchangeably. These terms refer to two distinct categories of paralegals. It’s essential to understand the difference and to clarify with employers which level of training they want in their future employee.
What Is a Certificated Paralegal?
Certificated paralegals have earned an educational certificate by completing coursework in paralegal studies. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs have been developed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to supplement it with focused coursework in paralegal studies. These students don’t earn a second degree. They receive a certificate of completion for the additional coursework, typically after 6 to 12 months.
Stand-alone certificate programs don’t require a degree as a prerequisite. Graduates from those programs will earn a certificate in paralegal studies but not a degree. The American Bar Association recognizes some but not all certificate programs. Certificate programs may also be offered by accredited and non-accredited institutions.
What Is a Certified Paralegal?
Certified paralegals have earned a professional credential by meeting a credentialing organization’s eligibility requirements and passing its examination. Eligibility differs by credential. Some are built for paralegals with years of substantive experience, while others are designed for people entering the field. Certification is voluntary in every state, and maintaining it requires continuing legal education credits and periodic recertification.
National Certification Options
Three organizations offer national paralegal credentials, and they’re aimed at different points in a career:
- Certified Paralegal (CP), offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This is NALA’s current entry credential. CLA is a legacy designation that some longtime certificants still hold, so you may see it referenced in older material and in job postings.
- Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE), offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), leading to the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential. NFPA designed the PCCE to assess early-career and entry-level paralegals, so this is the NFPA option available before you’ve built years of experience.
- Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE), also offered by NFPA, leading to the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential. PACE is the advanced exam and requires substantive paralegal experience to sit for it.
- Professional Paralegal (PP), maintained by NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals. NALS has placed its individual certification exams on temporary hiatus while it revises them, so confirm current availability with NALS before planning around this credential. Existing PP holders can continue recertifying.
A common misconception is that certification is only for veteran paralegals. The PCCE exists specifically for people early in the field, and NALA’s CP has eligibility routes that don’t require years of experience.
In D.C.’s competitive market, national certification can strengthen your credentials and give employers something verifiable to evaluate, particularly for positions with federal agencies and major law firms. The financial payoff varies by employer and role, so treat certification as a hiring advantage rather than a guaranteed raise. Learn more about NALA certification and preparing for the NALA CP exam.
Paralegal Schools and Programs in Washington, D.C.
Choosing the Right Program
With so many degree and certificate programs available to you, deciding on a program to fit your needs can be a bit overwhelming. To make the process a little easier, we’ve gathered the District’s options below. All are offered by regionally or nationally accredited institutions.
One distinction matters before you compare them. Some of these are dedicated paralegal programs built to prepare you for paralegal employment. Others are broader legal studies degrees that cover law without training specifically for the paralegal role. They aren’t interchangeable, so check which kind you’re looking at, whether the paralegal program itself carries ABA approval, and whether it’s currently accepting applications.
When evaluating ABA-approved paralegal programs, consider factors like program format (on-campus vs. online), credential type (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree), and how well the program aligns with your career timeline and goals. The right choice depends on your current education level, available time, and whether you’re transitioning from another career or starting fresh.
“Hence, I spend extra time working with students on client interviewing and then transcribing those interviews for the attorneys.”
Janet Fiorentino · University of the District of Columbia Community College
Program strengths differ. Ask what each one emphasizes and match that against the practice areas you want to work in.
District of Columbia Paralegal Programs
American University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Legal Studies – On-campus
Master of Legal Studies – Online
Both are broader legal studies degrees rather than dedicated paralegal training programs.
Catholic University of America
Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies – On-campus, online
Certificate of Paralegal Studies – On-campus, online
George Washington University
Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies – On-campus, online
Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – On-campus, online
Georgetown University
Paralegal Certificate Program – On-campus
Georgetown’s Prisons and Justice Initiative also runs the MORCA-Georgetown Paralegal Program, a separate intensive certificate for returning citizens, admitted by cohort.
University of the District of Columbia
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Legal Assistant – On-campus
UDC has approved renaming this program Paralegal Studies, so you may encounter either title depending on which UDC page you land on.
Paralegal Salaries and Job Market in Washington, D.C.
Marked by major federal agencies and its status as the political and administrative center of the United States, the nation’s capital pays paralegals better than any state in the country. With big names like Hogan Lovells, Jones Day, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and massive federal agencies like the CIA, the Office of the Attorney General, and the United States Courts, there may be no better place in the country to lay down roots and get a paralegal career off the ground.
D.C. Leads the Nation in Paralegal Compensation
As of May 2025, the District of Columbia employed 6,400 paralegals and legal assistants, with a median annual wage of $89,750 ($43.15 per hour). That’s roughly $26,900 above the national median of $62,890 per year ($30.24 per hour). The mean annual wage in D.C. is $95,400 ($45.87 per hour).
D.C. tops every state on both figures. It also has fewer paralegal jobs than large states like California or New York, so the advantage is in pay rather than in volume of openings.
The mean sitting above the median tells you the pay range in D.C. is wide, with higher earners pulling the average up. It doesn’t tell you which employers or practice areas sit at the top of that range.
What D.C. Paralegals Earn Across the Pay Range
| Pay percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,770 | $28.74 |
| 25th percentile | $72,240 | $34.73 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,750 | $43.15 |
| 75th percentile | $114,920 | $55.25 |
| 90th percentile | $131,650 | $63.29 |
These percentiles describe how pay is distributed across D.C. paralegals, not career stages. A paralegal at the 10th percentile isn’t necessarily new to the field, and one at the 90th isn’t necessarily a veteran. Employer type, practice area, and firm size move these numbers as much as years on the job do, which is why national salary sites that label percentiles “entry-level” and “experienced” can mislead you.
Pay structure matters too when you’re comparing offers. Paralegal compensation is almost evenly divided between hourly and salaried pay. NALA survey data found that 51% of paralegals were salaried, while about 49% were paid hourly. Being paid hourly doesn’t mean freelancing. Hourly-paid paralegals are typically full employees of a firm or agency.
How D.C. Compares to the Surrounding Region
Many D.C.-area job seekers can realistically commute to Maryland or Virginia, and the pay gap between the three is substantial.
| Location | Median annual wage | Median hourly wage | Paralegals employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $89,750 | $43.15 | 6,400 |
| Maryland | $65,640 | $31.56 | 6,460 |
| Virginia | $63,990 | $30.77 | 10,250 |
| United States | $62,890 | $30.24 | 392,880 |
Maryland and Virginia each employ as many paralegals as the District or more, so the region’s jobs are spread widely even though the pay concentrates in D.C.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metro Area
The top-paid D.C. paralegals lift salaries across the surrounding Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia suburbs. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area reported 12,990 paralegal positions as of May 2025, with a median wage of $81,590 per year ($39.23 per hour) and a 90th percentile of $126,020 ($60.59 per hour).
Metro-wide figures run below the District’s own because they average the higher-paying core with lower-paying outer suburbs. Among U.S. metro areas, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ranks behind San Jose, Seattle, and San Francisco on median paralegal pay, even though the District itself leads all states and jurisdictions.
This metropolitan area is also known for its concentration of research and development facilities for technology and engineering firms, which creates openings for paralegals with expertise in patent and intellectual property law. Those specialized roles often command higher pay because of the technical knowledge involved.
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
The District’s paralegal workforce is projected to stay roughly flat. ProjectionsCentral’s 2024-34 long-term projections show a change of about -0.2% for paralegals and legal assistants in D.C., with an average of about 670 job openings per year over that period.
A flat projection isn’t the same as a closed market. When net employment holds steady, most openings come from paralegals leaving the occupation or the labor force rather than from newly created positions. Those replacement openings are real hiring opportunities, but they describe a different labor market than one adding jobs, and it’s worth understanding which one you’re entering.
D.C. also holds up better than its neighbors on this measure. Over the same 2024-34 period, ProjectionsCentral projects -4.5% for Maryland and -1.8% for Virginia.
Nationally, the picture is similar but tracked on a different cycle. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects little or no change in paralegal and legal assistant employment from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,800 openings per year across the country. BLS attributes the limited growth partly to advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, that are expected to make paralegals more efficient at research and document preparation. How far that plays out in practice remains uncertain, particularly in federal and regulatory work of the kind that dominates D.C.
Professional Associations and Networking
National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA)
The National Capital Area Paralegal Association provides advocacy, resources, and support to paralegals who live or work in Washington, D.C., southern Maryland, and northern Virginia. NCAPA is affiliated with both the NFPA and a network of paralegals in Virginia, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA).
Since 1974, NCAPA has worked to promote the development of the paralegal profession, including representing paralegals in the national and local conversations about regulating the profession. The NCAPA has also worked to raise the professionalism of paralegals by sponsoring continuing legal education opportunities, “hot topic” discussions, and encouraging its members to pursue national certification. It currently supports both the PACE/RP and PCCE/CRP pathways and offers scholarships toward each. Its membership includes students, practicing paralegals, and other members of the legal community.
Membership Categories and Benefits
The NCAPA offers five categories of membership:
- Voting Member – Open to those working as paralegals who meet either of these conditions:
- Completed a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited school or program
- Have been employed as a paralegal for at least one year
- Student Member – Open to any paralegal or law-related student enrolled full or part-time
- Associate Member – Open to any currently employed paralegal who is not eligible to be a Voting Member, and part-time paralegal managers and administrators
- Contributing Member – Open to anyone employed in the legal field who supports the paralegal profession
- Institutional Member – Open to educational and legal institutions that support paralegals
NCAPA membership provides networking opportunities, access to continuing education programs, professional development resources, and connections to job opportunities throughout the capital region. For paralegals serious about advancing their careers in D.C., NCAPA membership offers both practical benefits and professional credibility.
Major Employers for D.C. Paralegals
Federal Agencies
Washington, D.C.’s status as the nation’s capital means direct access to federal agency opportunities. Most federal paralegal work sits in the Paralegal Specialist series, GS-0950. Agencies that hire into legal support roles include:
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- NASA
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Department of the Treasury
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- United States Courts
Federal qualification requirements vary by vacancy and grade rather than following one government-wide rule. The Office of Personnel Management’s standard for the GS-0950 series does not impose an individual occupational requirement that applicants graduate from an ABA-approved paralegal program, so qualification can rest on education, specialized experience, or a combination. Read each USAJOBS announcement for what that specific position asks for.
Federal positions generally carry structured benefits and defined advancement paths. Some roles also require a security clearance, which the hiring agency or an authorized contractor sponsors rather than something you obtain on your own.
District of Columbia Government
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is a District government employer, not a federal one, and it hires legal support staff on its own terms. D.C. Courts and other District agencies are worth watching alongside the federal listings, since they post separately from USAJOBS.
Major Law Firms
The District of Columbia is home to many large, multinational law firms that employ paralegals. Firms with substantial D.C. offices include:
- Jones Day
- Hogan Lovells
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
- Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr
- Covington & Burling
- Arnold & Porter
- Williams & Connolly
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
- Steptoe LLP
- Wiley Rein
- Holland & Knight
- Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner
- Squire Patton Boggs
- ArentFox Schiff
- Crowell & Moring
- Venable
- Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Firm hiring tends to cluster around litigation, regulatory practice, and intellectual property, which are the areas where D.C. offices carry the most work.
Corporations and Nonprofit Organizations
Beyond law firms and federal agencies, D.C. offers paralegal opportunities with nonprofit organizations like the Brookings Institution and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, advocacy organizations focused on policy and social issues, corporate legal departments, immigration law specialists, and legal staffing firms like Robert Half that place paralegals in temporary and permanent positions throughout the region.
Important Contacts for Paralegals
- National Capital Area Paralegal Association, affiliated with the NFPA
- The District of Columbia Bar Association
- District of Columbia Courts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a paralegal in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. sets no degree, license, or certification requirement for paralegals. Rule 5.3 governs lawyers’ responsibilities toward nonlawyer assistants, not paralegal qualifications. Employers set their own standards, and most people entering the field here complete a paralegal certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Some employers value ABA-approved paralegal education, though there’s no government-wide requirement for federal Paralegal Specialist positions.
How much do paralegals make in Washington, D.C.?
The median annual wage for paralegals in D.C. is $89,750, or $43.15 per hour, as of May 2025. That’s about $26,900 above the national median of $62,890. Pay ranges from $59,770 at the 10th percentile to $131,650 at the 90th. The mean wage is $95,400 per year ($45.87 per hour).
Does Washington, D.C. really pay paralegals the most in the country?
Yes, at the jurisdiction level. D.C.’s $89,750 median tops every state, ahead of Washington state at $79,400 and Colorado at $78,190. The picture differs by metro area, where Washington-Arlington-Alexandria’s $81,590 median ranks behind San Jose, Seattle, and San Francisco. D.C. also has far fewer paralegal jobs than large states, so the advantage is in pay rather than volume.
What’s the difference between certified and certificated paralegals?
Certificated paralegals have completed an educational certificate program in paralegal studies, either stand-alone or post-baccalaureate. Certified paralegals have met a credentialing organization’s eligibility requirements and passed its exam. Eligibility varies: NFPA’s PCCE is built for early-career and entry-level paralegals, while its PACE exam requires substantive experience. NALA offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential.
Do I need certification to work as a paralegal in D.C.?
No, Washington, D.C. doesn’t require paralegal certification. Voluntary certification can help in a competitive market by giving employers a verifiable credential to evaluate, though the effect on pay varies by employer and role. Currently available options include NALA’s Certified Paralegal and NFPA’s PCCE/CRP and PACE/RP. NALS has temporarily paused its individual certification exams, so check with NALS on the Professional Paralegal credential before planning around it.
What are the best paralegal programs in Washington, D.C.?
Options include Georgetown University’s Paralegal Certificate Program, George Washington University’s Master of Professional Studies and Graduate Certificate, Catholic University’s AA and certificate programs, and the University of the District of Columbia’s AAS in Legal Assistant. American University’s BA in Legal Studies and online Master of Legal Studies are broader legal studies degrees rather than dedicated paralegal training. Choose based on your current education level, career timeline, and format preference, and confirm ABA approval directly with any program where it matters to you.
What is the job outlook for paralegals in Washington, D.C.?
ProjectionsCentral’s 2024-34 projections show D.C. paralegal employment changing by about -0.2%, essentially flat, with roughly 670 job openings per year. Most of those openings come from workers leaving the occupation rather than from new positions. D.C. holds up better than Maryland (-4.5%) and Virginia (-1.8%) over the same period.
Which federal agencies hire paralegals in D.C.?
Federal agencies across the region hire into the Paralegal Specialist series, GS-0950, including ICE, NASA, FEMA, the Department of the Treasury, the CIA, and the United States Courts. No public ranking establishes which hires the most. Qualification requirements vary by vacancy rather than following a single rule, and OPM’s GS-0950 standard carries no government-wide ABA-approved program requirement. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is a District employer, not a federal one.
What law firms in D.C. hire paralegals?
Firms with large D.C. offices include Jones Day, Hogan Lovells, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Covington & Burling, Arnold & Porter, Williams & Connolly, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. Their D.C. work concentrates in litigation, regulatory practice, and intellectual property, so paralegals with experience in those areas are in the strongest position.
What is the National Capital Area Paralegal Association?
NCAPA is the primary professional organization for paralegals in Washington, D.C., southern Maryland, and northern Virginia. Affiliated with NFPA since 1974, NCAPA provides advocacy, continuing legal education, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and connections to job opportunities. Membership offers five categories, including voting, student, associate, contributing, and institutional memberships.
Key Takeaways
- Washington, D.C. sets no paralegal degree, license, or certification requirement. Rule 5.3 governs lawyers’ duties toward nonlawyer assistants, and employers set their own hiring standards
- D.C. leads every state on paralegal pay with a median of $89,750 per year ($43.15 per hour), roughly $26,900 above the national median of $62,890
- Pay across D.C. paralegals ranges from $59,770 at the 10th percentile to $131,650 at the 90th, a spread driven by employer type and practice area as much as by experience
- The District’s paralegal employment is projected to stay essentially flat through 2034, with about 670 openings a year coming largely from replacement rather than growth
- Current national credentials include NALA’s CP and NFPA’s PCCE/CRP and PACE/RP, with NALS exams temporarily paused. Certification can help in a competitive market, though its effect on pay varies
- Federal agencies, District agencies and courts, large firms, corporations, nonprofits, and staffing agencies all hire paralegals here, and National Capital Area Paralegal Association membership is a practical way into that network
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Washington, D.C.?
D.C. employers hire from a deep pool of credentialed candidates. Find an accredited program and give yourself something to compete with.
May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants. Long-term 2024-34 job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, ProjectionsCentral. Figures reflect city, state, and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
