Supported by an industrial boom in the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles regions and a swiftly growing high-tech sector, paralegals with expertise in everything from intellectual property licensing and patent law to labor law are sure to find plentiful professional opportunities in Louisiana.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Louisiana
As of May 2024, paralegals in Louisiana earned an average salary of $52,380, or $25.18. Although the average salary for paralegals is about $14,000 less than the national average of $66,510, Louisiana’s lower cost of living allows the average salary here to remain competitive with paralegals in other parts of the country.
There are plenty of reasons to gain specialized experience and earn industry credentials in the paralegal profession in Louisiana, as the top earners here (top 10%) take home a salary that starts at $77,200, or $37.12 per hour – that’s about $25,000 more than the state average.
Another bright spot among Louisiana’s paralegals is the growth of active lawyers in the state. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of active lawyers here has increased by 19.1% – one of the largest increases in the nation and stands at 19,524 professionals as of 2024. A growing number of practicing lawyers naturally translates into an increased need for competent and qualified paralegals.
Average Paralegal Salary in Louisiana by City
In most cases, salaries for paralegals in Louisiana’s metro areas averaged in the mid-$40k to mid-$50k range.
New Orleans’ diverse economy is led by the tourism, advanced manufacturing, energy, and healthcare industries, with major companies here including Ochsner Health System, Whitney Holding Corporation, and Tulane University.
Baton Rouge:
- Average – $54,240 ($26.08 hourly)
- Top 10% – $76,960 ($37.00 hourly)
New Orleans:
- Average – $53,920 ($25.92 hourly)
- Top 10% – $79,790 ($38.36 hourly)
Houma:
- Average – $53,540 ($25.74 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,150 ($36.13 hourly)
Slidell:
- Average – $53,070 ($25.51 hourly)
- Top 10% – $73,230 ($35.21 hourly)
Lafayette:
- Average – $51,430 ($24.73 hourly)
- Top 10% – $71,440 ($34.35 hourly)
Lake Charles:
- Average – $50,310 ($24.19 hourly)
- Top 10% – $70,210 ($33.76 hourly)
Alexandria:
- Average – $49,650 ($23.87 hourly)
- Top 10% – $72,550 ($34.88 hourly)
Shreveport:
- Average – $48,870 ($23.49 hourly)
- Top 10% – $69,950 ($33.63 hourly)
Monroe:
- Average – $46,900 ($22.55 hourly)
- Top 10% – $71,330 ($34.30 hourly)
Hammond:
- Average – $46,810 ($22.50 hourly)
- Top 10% – $68,970 ($33.16 hourly)
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.