From Portland to Lewiston to Bangor and beyond, Maine’s paralegals are lending their unique skillset to the state’s legal services field that’s largely supported by a manufacturing sector that has allowed the state to remain a leading producer of wood and paper products. Whether they’re working in corporate law offices, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities, paralegals in Maine with the right blend of education and legal know are making a difference in the Pine Tree State.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Maine
One of the biggest indicators of the strength of Maine’s paralegal profession lies with the number of actively practicing lawyers found here. According to the American Bar Association, the number of active lawyers in Maine has increased by 7.2% between 2011 and 2021, which likely translates into plenty of professional opportunities both now and in the future for paralegals in Maine.
As of May 2020, paralegals in Maine earned an average salary of $50,860, or $24.45 per hour. Those with significant experience, particularly in a legal specialty like family law, immigration law, litigation, or bankruptcy law, are likely to enjoy much higher salaries in Maine. In fact, the top 10% of paralegals here earned about $66,980, or $32.20 per hour during this time – a difference of nearly $17,000.
Average Paralegal Salary in Maine by City
Even beyond the opportunities that exist in the legal industry, the state’s export industry offers opportunities for paralegals working in the corporate legal departments of product manufacturers and logistics companies. Bangor continues to be a major player in Maine in terms of the top-earning paralegals, largely due to a strong wholesale and retail trade.
Bangor:
Average – $52,530 ($25.17 hourly)
Top 10% – $72,770 ($34.99 hourly)
Lewiston-Auburn:
Average – $46,940 ($22.57 hourly)
Top 10% – $63,240 ($30.41 hourly)
Portland-South Portland:
Average – $53,120 ($25.54 hourly)
Top 10% – $68,820 ($33.09 hourly)
May 2020 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 December 2021.