Maryland has no mandatory licensing or education requirements for paralegals, allowing entry through on-the-job training or formal education programs. However, completing an ABA-approved program and earning voluntary certification (PACE, CP, or PP) significantly improves job prospects in Maryland’s competitive legal market, where 5,770 paralegals earn a mean salary of $69,520 annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
Grounded by the massive metro area of Baltimore and strategically placed 
near other major metro areas like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Maryland has always enjoyed a strong legal services field that has translated into an equally strong paralegal field. Lockheed Martin, Constellation Energy, and Black & Decker are just some of the major corporate players in Maryland that also happen to be large employers of paralegals, while big names in law like Venable LLP and Miles & Stockbridge PC continue to present outstanding professional opportunities for new and established paralegals alike.
Maryland’s economy is robust, dynamic, and diverse, home to several Fortune 500 companies. The leading forces behind the economic vitality of Maryland include such high-paying industries as IT, telecommunications, aerospace/defense, and biotech. And while law firms and governmental agencies represent the top employers for paralegals, corporate legal departments in these industries aren’t far behind.
Learning how to become a paralegal in Maryland includes achieving the right education and credentials that make you a valuable asset to any employer. Maryland’s paralegals aren’t regulated, meaning the state hasn’t mandated any formal licensing or education requirements. This enables aspiring paralegals to enter the field through on-the-job training or education. Like other states, Maryland’s Rule 5.3 defines the scope of practice of paralegals, requiring that paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney who accepts responsibility for their professional actions.
Education & Training Requirements
Maryland doesn’t require paralegals to hold any specific credentials to practice. This flexibility allows individuals to enter the paralegal profession through various pathways, including on-the-job training, certificate programs, or degree-conferring programs in paralegal studies.
Despite this regulatory freedom, the reality of Maryland’s competitive legal job market tells a different story. You could be competing against candidates who already have experience in multinational corporations, international lobbyist groups, and major federal agencies. Law offices and other employers in Maryland have come to rely on paralegals with the expertise that comes from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Certificate vs. Degree Programs
There are two types of certificate programs available in Maryland. The first is offered only to students who already have a baccalaureate degree and need additional coursework in paralegal studies. The second is for students with no previous education. Certificate programs typically offer a specialized focus in paralegal studies with no general education requirements. A graduate from such a program earns a certificate of completion and becomes a certificated paralegal.
Aspiring paralegals may also choose to earn a degree in paralegal studies. Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs are available throughout Maryland. As the paralegal profession continues to grow in prominence, many employers desire a degree, or a degree plus certificate, when hiring an entry-level paralegal. Degrees can also help a paralegal qualify to take a national certification exam more quickly.
Not all programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), and not all are offered by accredited educational institutions. These factors can be important qualifications for potential employers or for eligibility to sit for national exams. Many of Maryland’s paralegal programs help entry-level paralegals prepare for taking one of the voluntary national certification exams, which can help distinguish you from your peers in this competitive job market.
Paralegal Programs in Maryland
The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a 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 be able to take on has also increased. It’s important to be as competitive as possible in a job market where law firms expect strong preparation from day one.
Allegany College of Maryland
Associate’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus, hybrid
Legal Studies Certificate – Campus, online
Anne Arundel Community College
AAS Paralegal Studies, Business – Campus
AAS Paralegal Studies, General Practice – Campus
AAS Paralegal Studies, Litigation – Campus
Paralegal Studies Business Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Studies General Practice Certificate – Campus
Paralegal Studies Litigation Certificate – Campus
Baltimore City Community College
AAS Legal Assistant – Campus, blended, and online
Cecil College
AA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Community College of Baltimore County
AAS in Legal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Frederick Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus
Hagerstown Community College
AA Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Harford Community College
AS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Montgomery College
AAS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition – Campus
Prince George’s Community College
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies – Campus and online
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus and online
Stevenson University
BS in Legal Studies – Campus and hybrid
University of Baltimore
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
MA in Legal Studies – Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus
BS in Legal Studies – Online
Certification Options
Maryland, like many states, hasn’t established training or education standards for paralegals. However, paralegals can voluntarily choose to demonstrate their command of the field by becoming certified paralegals. This is different from being a certificated paralegal, which simply means you’ve completed a certificate program. A certified paralegal must possess education, work experience, or a combination of the two, and then must pass a national certification exam.
Eligibility requirements vary based on your educational background and work experience. Currently, three professional organizations offer four national exams from which to select:
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CP (Certified Paralegal) offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Earning national certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can help you stand out in Maryland’s competitive legal job market. Many employers view certification as a mark of professionalism and competence, particularly when combined with relevant education and work experience.
Salary & Job Outlook
Maryland’s paralegal profession offers competitive salaries and solid job prospects. As of 2024, the state employed 5,770 paralegals with a mean annual salary of $69,520, exceeding the national average of $66,510. Maryland’s paralegal salaries are supported by the presence of major corporations like Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Verizon, Constellation Energy Group, Bank of America, and T. Rowe Price, as well as proximity to the Washington D.C. metro area.
Maryland Paralegal Salary by Percentile
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $22.03 | $45,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $24.35 | $50,650 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $30.56 | $63,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $38.62 | $80,330 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $47.84 | $99,520 |
| Mean (Average) | $33.43 | $69,520 |
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Maryland’s paralegal profession is one that’s rich in opportunities for advancement. With the right education and experience, particularly in a specialty area of law like family law, immigration law, intellectual property law, or international law, it’s possible to earn a salary that far exceeds the state’s average. The top 10% of paralegals in Maryland earned $99,520 or more annually as of 2024, more than $30,000 above the state average.
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson: The Baltimore metro area stands out for its strong paralegal salaries, with 3,400 employed paralegals earning a mean annual salary of $70,630 ($33.96 hourly). The top 10% of paralegals in this area earn $94,010 annually ($45.20 hourly). Salaries in the Baltimore metro area are supported by the presence of major corporations and well-established law firms.
Hagerstown-Martinsburg: This metro area employs 300 paralegals with a mean annual salary of $68,080 ($32.73 hourly). The top 10% of paralegals earn $92,890 annually ($44.66 hourly).
Rural Maryland: Nonmetropolitan areas in Maryland employ 90 paralegals with a mean annual salary of $54,950 ($26.42 hourly). The top 10% earn $77,890 annually ($37.45 hourly).
Job Growth Projections
Maryland’s paralegal profession shows solid growth prospects through 2032. Employment is projected to grow from 6,930 paralegals in 2022 to 7,410 by 2032, representing a 6.9% increase and the addition of 480 new positions. The state projects approximately 770 annual job openings for paralegals during this period, which includes both new positions and replacement needs for paralegals leaving the workforce.
This growth reflects the continuing expansion of legal services in Maryland, driven by population growth, business development, and the increasing complexity of legal and regulatory requirements across industries.
Professional Associations
Joining a professional paralegal association offers networking opportunities, continuing education, career resources, and a community of practitioners who can support your professional development. Maryland paralegals have access to two major associations serving the region.
National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA)
Paralegals working in the Washington, D.C. area may choose to join the National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA), an affiliate of the NFPA. Since 1974, NCAPA has worked to develop and expand the paralegal profession by representing the interests of private and public sector paralegals within the broader legal field, encouraging education and voluntary certification for paralegals, and providing networking, support, and resources for its members. NCAPA also offers regular meetings, continuing legal education opportunities, and conferences for its members.
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 isn’t 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
Maryland Association of Paralegals (MAP)
The Maryland Association of Paralegals (MAP) offers membership to students and professional paralegals living or working in Maryland. An affiliate of the NFPA, MAP encourages its members to seek voluntary certification through the PCCE/PACE exams and provides support for paralegals in preparing for those exams. With six regional committees, MAP also works to address the issues of interest to and affecting paralegals throughout the state. MAP members also have access to a job bank, networking opportunities, and continuing legal education.
MAP offers four levels of membership:
- Active Membership – Open to any employed paralegal or anyone who has completed a paralegal training program
- Student Membership – Open to anyone enrolled in a paralegal training program
- Individual Sustaining Membership – Open to those who have completed their paralegal education and don’t qualify for Active Membership
- Sustaining Membership – Open to all entities that support the purposes of MAP
Top Employers & Law Firms
Paralegals in Maryland find many job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Washington, D.C., and Maryland’s larger cities, such as Baltimore, are home to many large law firms that employ paralegals. Maryland is also home to major corporations with substantial legal departments that regularly hire paralegals, as well as numerous federal agencies in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Major Law Firms in Maryland
- Miles and Stockbridge
- Hodes, Pessin & Katz P.A.
- Saul Ewing LLP
- Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann LLP
- Semmes, Bowen & Semmes P.C.
- Gordon Feinblatt LLC
- Ober Kaler
- Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP
- DLA Piper
- Venable LLP
- Jones Day
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld
- Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr
- Wiley Rein
- Holland and Knight
- Arnold and Porter
- Steptoe and Johnson LLP
- Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett, and Dunner
- Williams and Connolly
- Arent Fox
- Patton Boggs
- Hogan Lovells
- Covington and Burling
- Crowell and Moring
- Dickstein Shapiro
- Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
Important Contacts for Paralegals
- Maryland Association of Paralegals (MAP), affiliated with the NFPA
- National Capital Area Paralegals (NCAPA), affiliated with NFPA
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Maryland Secretary of State
- Maryland Judiciary
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a paralegal in Maryland?
No, Maryland has no mandatory licensing or education requirements for paralegals. However, Maryland’s Rule 5.3 requires that paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney who accepts responsibility for their professional actions. While no formal requirements exist, most employers prefer candidates with formal education in paralegal studies and voluntary certification.
What’s the difference between a certificated paralegal and a certified paralegal?
A certificated paralegal has completed a certificate program in paralegal studies and received a certificate of completion. A certified paralegal has passed a national certification exam (such as PACE, CP, or PP) administered by a professional organization, which typically requires both education and work experience. Certification demonstrates a higher level of professional competency and commitment to the field.
How much do paralegals make in Maryland?
As of 2024, Maryland paralegals earn a mean annual salary of $69,520 ($33.43 per hour), which exceeds the national average of $66,510. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earn around $45,820 annually, while experienced paralegals (90th percentile) can earn $99,520 or more. Salaries vary by location, with the Baltimore metro area offering the highest average at $70,630 annually.
What are the best paralegal programs in Maryland?
Maryland offers 12 paralegal programs at community colleges and universities throughout the state. Programs range from associate degrees to master’s degrees, with options for campus-based, hybrid, and online learning. When choosing a program, consider factors such as ABA approval status, accreditation, program format, specialization options, and career services support. Programs at Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, and the University of Baltimore offer comprehensive curricula with multiple specialization options.
Should I join a professional paralegal association?
Joining a professional association like MAP or NCAPA offers significant benefits, including networking opportunities, continuing legal education, job banks, mentorship programs, and professional development resources. Association membership also demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can help you stay current on industry trends and legal developments. Many associations offer student memberships at reduced rates, making it easy to get involved early in your career.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in Maryland?
Maryland’s paralegal profession shows solid growth prospects with employment projected to grow 6.9% from 2022 to 2032, adding 480 new positions. The state projects approximately 770 annual job openings during this period, including both new positions and replacement needs. Strong demand exists in corporate legal departments, law firms, government agencies, and specialized practice areas like intellectual property and international law.
Can I work as a paralegal in Maryland without a degree?
Yes, Maryland has no mandatory licensing or education requirements for paralegals. However, the competitive reality of Maryland’s job market means most employers strongly prefer or require candidates to have completed formal paralegal education, whether through a certificate program or a degree. On-the-job training pathways do exist, but they’re increasingly rare. Starting with formal education and voluntary certification gives you a significant advantage in the job market.
What national certification should I pursue?
The choice depends on your education and experience level. The PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam) from NFPA requires a bachelor’s degree and paralegal experience, making it ideal for experienced professionals. The CP (Certified Paralegal) from NALA has more flexible eligibility requirements and is popular for entry to mid-level paralegals. The PP (Professional Paralegal) from NALS is designed for legal support professionals at various experience levels. Maryland’s MAP association supports NFPA certifications, while NALA certifications are widely recognized nationally.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland has no mandatory licensing or education requirements for paralegals, but formal education and voluntary certification significantly improve job prospects in this competitive market
- Maryland employs 5,770 paralegals earning a mean annual salary of $69,520, exceeding the national average of $66,510
- The state offers 12 paralegal programs ranging from certificates to master’s degrees, with options for campus, hybrid, and online learning
- Maryland’s paralegal profession is projected to grow 6.9% from 2022 to 2032, creating approximately 770 annual job openings
- Two major professional associations (MAP and NCAPA) serve Maryland paralegals with networking, continuing education, and career resources
- Baltimore’s proximity to Washington, D.C., creates exceptional opportunities in federal agencies, major law firms, and corporate legal departments
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Maryland?
Explore accredited paralegal programs throughout Maryland and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career with competitive salaries and strong job growth.
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.
