Ohio doesn’t require specific education to work as a paralegal, but most employers prefer candidates with formal paralegal training. The Ohio State Bar Association offers voluntary certification that helps you stand out. With 8,160 paralegal jobs and average salaries of $61,000, Ohio provides solid opportunities in corporate legal departments, law firms, and government agencies.
Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Macy’s, Eaton, and Nationwide are just 
a sampling of some of Ohio’s biggest corporations, which are an excellent source of paralegal jobs in the Buckeye State for both new and established paralegals. Ohio paralegals also enjoy plentiful opportunities in governmental agencies like the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, and in law firms like Benesch, Tucker Ellis in Cleveland, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, and Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL in Cincinnati.
If a challenging, fast-paced career in the legal field sounds like the perfect match for you, it may be time to consider a job as a paralegal. But before you can begin making your mark on the paralegal profession, you’ll need to learn how to become a paralegal in Ohio.
Ohio’s legal landscape offers flexibility. While the state doesn’t mandate specific educational requirements, the path you choose can significantly impact your career trajectory and earning potential. Understanding your options for education, certification, and professional development will help you make informed decisions about your paralegal career.
Education Requirements in Ohio
Ohio’s Supreme Court Rule 5.3, Professional Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants, directs that attorneys must supervise paralegals and assume responsibility for their professional conduct. Ohio doesn’t require that any minimum educational standards be met before a person can work as a paralegal. This means aspiring paralegals can enter the profession through on-the-job training or by obtaining education.
However, the reality of today’s competitive legal job market tells a different story. Increasing numbers of paralegals are pursuing education as a means of qualifying for entry-level jobs. In Ohio, this becomes even more important if a paralegal wishes to become certified through the Ohio State Bar Association. Potential employers may prefer to hire those who could begin their job already possessing legal knowledge and who would be eligible for certification within a few years.
Employers may also prefer that a job candidate’s paralegal education either meet American Bar Association (ABA) standards or be offered by an accredited educational institution. 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.
Law offices and other employers in Ohio have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies. If you want to go beyond the minimum requirements and stack the odds in your favor, you’re going to need to find a high-quality program that offers a certificate or a two-year degree in paralegal studies.
Certification Options in Ohio
Understanding Certificated vs. Certified Paralegals
Confusingly, certificated paralegals are not the same as certified paralegals, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. Certificated paralegals have earned an educational certificate, whereas certified paralegals have passed an exam that certifies that they have mastered a set level of knowledge.
Certificate programs offer focused coursework in paralegal studies. While there are some certificate programs that admit students who haven’t previously earned a bachelor’s degree, many schools require that applicants already have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in any field. By supplementing previous education with specialized paralegal coursework, these post-baccalaureate certificate programs can help paralegals both prepare for their career and become eligible for OSBA certification. Students who complete a certificate program become certificated paralegals.
Ohio State Bar Association Certification
The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) offers a voluntary certification program that assists potential employers in identifying job candidates who meet standards of proficiency in legal knowledge. In order to become an OSBA Certified Paralegal, paralegals must have sufficient education, work experience, or a combination of the two, and they must pass a certification exam.
| Pathway | Education Required | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway 1 | Bachelor’s degree in any field, plus at least 20 semester hours of substantive paralegal coursework | One year full-time (or 2,000 hours) |
| Pathway 2 | Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies (minimum 124 semester hours) | One year full-time (or 2,000 hours) |
| Pathway 3 | Associate degree in paralegal studies (minimum 60 semester hours) | Five years full-time (or 10,000 hours) |
| Pathway 4 | High school diploma or equivalent | Seven years full-time (or 14,000 hours) |
National Certification Options
In addition to earning OSBA certification, paralegals may choose to become nationally certified. National certification, through which paralegals become certified paralegals, is offered by three national professional paralegal associations. Currently, there are four exams from which to choose:
- 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 CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
As with the OSBA Paralegal Certification process, paralegals interested in becoming nationally certified must meet requirements for education, work experience, or a combination of the two. Requirements for the national exams differ between the three national paralegal organizations.
Paralegal Programs in Ohio
Some people are always behind. They hit the snooze button, eventually throw on some disheveled clothes, speed to work through the school zone, end up late for work anyway, and will always find something to complain about. They’ll never experience the sound of polished shoes echoing off marble walls and high ceilings.
But you can, because right now you’re taking steps to advance your career. So what does it take to work in the offices of Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease in Cincinnati’s Great American Tower or BakerHostetler in Cleveland’s Key Tower?
We’ve made some recommendations to help you do just that. The schools we feature offer paralegal programs designed for aspiring professionals from all walks of life. Some are designed for career changers who already have a four-year degree and are looking to gain an upper-level certificate. Others are designed for prospective paralegals who have never attended college before. Whatever your situation is, you’ll find a range of quality options available on campus and online.
Belmont College
Legal Office Specialist Certificate – Campus
Bryant and Stratton College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Legal Office Assistant Diploma – Campus and online
Capital University Law School
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Legal Nurse Consulting – Online with a monthly campus class
Life Care Planner – 5 online modules and one campus-based module
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Legal Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Business (AAB) – Online
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Clark State Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and some classes online
Columbus State Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies/Legal Assisting – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Cuyahoga Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Eastern Gateway Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus-based with some online classes
Paralegal Certificate – Campus and some online
Edison State Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
ETI Technical College
Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Business – Campus
Kent State University
AAS in Legal Assisting – Campus
BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Minor in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Lake Erie College
BS in Legal Studies – Campus
Legal Studies Minor – Campus
Lakeland Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Mount St. Joseph University
AA in Legal Studies – Campus
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Northwest State Community College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Ohio University
Paralegal Certificate – Online, campus
Sinclair Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Stark State College
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Legal Assisting – Campus
Certificate in Legal Assisting – Campus
Stautzenberger College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Paralegal Studies Diploma – Online
University of Akron
Advanced Paralegal Certificate – Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
BS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Minor in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
Associate of Applied Business in Law and Paralegal Studies – Online
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Online
University of Northwestern Ohio
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Legal Assisting – Campus and online
University of Toledo
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
BS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (post-bac) – Campus
Nurse Paralegal Certificate (post-ADN, post-RN) – Campus
Minor in Legal Specialties – Campus
Ursuline College
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Legal Studies Minor – Campus
Legal Studies Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Salary and Job Outlook in Ohio
Ohio is a Midwest gem for paralegals, thanks to a strong economy that’s backed by a low cost of doing business and growing manufacturing and financial services industries. Ranked among the top states in the nation by Forbes for its quality of life, Ohio enjoys outstanding opportunities in higher education, the arts, and recreation. Just some of the big corporate names in Ohio include Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Nationwide, and Progressive.
For paralegals, this translates into exceptional opportunities in law firms, company legal departments, the government, and other players in the field of law.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of 2024, the average paralegal salary in Ohio was $61,000, or $29.33 per hour. But for those whose experience and specialty legal knowledge allow them to climb the professional ladder, salaries here really take off. During this time, the top 10% of paralegals in Ohio earned a salary that started at $83,530, or $40.16 per hour, which is $22,530 more than the state average.
Paralegals are always well-served by becoming proficient in one or more areas of law, such as family law, consumer law, immigration law, or litigation.
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $18.24 | $37,930 |
| 25th Percentile | $22.72 | $47,260 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $28.30 | $58,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $36.30 | $75,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $40.16 | $83,530 |
| Mean (Average) | $29.33 | $61,000 |
Salary by Major Ohio City
As of 2024, Ohio reported about 8,160 paralegal jobs, which outpaces paralegal jobs in the neighboring states of Kentucky (3,080) and Indiana (5,970). Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland all posted average salaries for paralegals that topped the state average. Cincinnati is home to major companies like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, TriHealth, the University of Cincinnati, and UC Health. Cleveland takes the prize for offering the highest 10% salaries in the state.
| City | Average Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | $64,630 ($31.07 hourly) | $86,000 ($41.34 hourly) |
| Columbus | $62,380 ($29.99 hourly) | $83,100 ($39.95 hourly) |
| Cleveland | $61,810 ($29.72 hourly) | $90,810 ($43.66 hourly) |
| Akron | $60,930 ($29.29 hourly) | $80,680 ($38.79 hourly) |
| Dayton | $59,990 ($28.84 hourly) | $82,740 ($39.78 hourly) |
| Toledo | $58,220 ($27.99 hourly) | $83,080 ($39.94 hourly) |
| Springfield | $56,380 ($27.11 hourly) | $74,530 ($35.83 hourly) |
| Canton | $55,370 ($26.62 hourly) | $76,960 ($37.00 hourly) |
| Sandusky | $52,220 ($25.11 hourly) | $72,690 ($34.95 hourly) |
| Youngstown | $50,670 ($24.36 hourly) | $72,710 ($34.96 hourly) |
| Mansfield | $49,730 ($23.91 hourly) | $72,530 ($34.87 hourly) |
Job Market Trends and Employment Outlook
Ohio’s paralegal job market reflects the maturity of the profession. The state’s 8,160 paralegal positions represent a stable workforce in a well-established legal market. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a slight decline of 1.9% from 2022 to 2032, this doesn’t tell the complete story of opportunity.
The projection shows approximately 830 annual job openings for paralegals in Ohio through 2032. These openings come primarily from workforce turnover as experienced paralegals retire, change careers, or move to other states. This means consistent opportunities for new paralegals entering the field, particularly those with formal education and specialized skills.
The demand remains strong in Ohio’s major metropolitan areas, where corporate legal departments, large law firms, and government agencies continue to rely heavily on qualified paralegals. Specialization in high-demand areas like healthcare law, intellectual property, and complex litigation can significantly improve your job prospects and salary potential.
Professional Associations in Ohio
Ohio’s paralegal profession benefits from a robust network of professional associations offering networking, continuing education, and career development opportunities. These organizations help paralegals stay current with legal developments, connect with peers, and advance their careers.
Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA)
This association offers an optional OSBA Certified Paralegal credential for paralegals who pass an exam, have had 12 hours of paralegal education in the past three years, have three professional references, and meet one of these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject, completion of a paralegal program that is at least 20 semester credits, and one year of full-time paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies that is at least 124 semester credits and one year of full-time paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies that consists of at least 60 semester credits and five years of full-time paralegal experience
- High school diploma or equivalent plus seven years of full-time paralegal experience
NALS of Northeast Ohio
An affiliate of NALS, this organization offers the following levels of membership with NALS and promotes NALS certifications:
- 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 prior to retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
Ohio Statewide Alliance (OSA)
There are also five regional NFPA-affiliated professional paralegal associations serving Ohio. Each one has statewide representatives who meet periodically, forming the Ohio Statewide Alliance (OSA). The OSA exchanges regional information and collaborates to address matters affecting paralegals throughout the state.
Regionally, each of the five professional organizations supports its members through networking, developing relationships with other organizations in the legal field, offering continuing education and professional development, and many other services. All of Ohio’s professional associations affiliated with the NFPA encourage their members to become nationally certified through the PACE/PCCE exams.
Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio (PANO)
Affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), PANO offers four levels of membership:
Active – Open to employed paralegals who meet one of the following:
- NALA’s Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) credential
- Passed the Ohio State Bar Association’s Certified Paralegal exam
- Degree or certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program
- Graduate of an institutionally-accredited paralegal program that includes at least 60 semester credits of classroom study
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus one year of in-house paralegal training
Student – Open to anyone enrolled in a paralegal school who is in good standing and doesn’t qualify for another type of membership
Associate – Open to individuals who are not employers, attorneys, or educators, and who meet one of the following:
- A graduate of an ABA-approved paralegal program that included at least 16 semester credits related to paralegal studies, who doesn’t qualify for Student membership
- Eligible for Active membership except for being employed as a paralegal or meeting continuing legal education requirements
- Three years of law-related experience that includes at least one year of in-house paralegal training
Paralegal Association of Central Ohio (PACO)
An affiliate of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), PACO offers four levels of membership:
- Active – Open to employed paralegals
- Associate – Open to those not currently employed as paralegals
- Student – Open to those currently enrolled in a paralegal course of study
- Sustaining Affiliate Membership – Open to those not employed as paralegals who support the goals of PACO
Cincinnati Paralegal Association (CPA)
This association offers five levels of membership:
Active – Open to anyone who meets at least one of the following:
- Currently employed as a paralegal
- A graduate of a paralegal certificate or degree program who isn’t currently employed as a paralegal
- Previously employed as a paralegal, but not currently
- Associate – Open to those employed in the legal field who are not currently employed as a paralegal
- Student – Open to students enrolled full or part-time in a paralegal studies program
- Emeritus – Open to those not currently employed as paralegals, but who have been Active members for at least three years
- Sustaining – Open to any person or entity that wants to support the CPA
Cleveland Association of Paralegals (CAP)
An affiliate of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), CAP offers five levels of membership:
Voting Member – Open to currently employed paralegals who have one of the following:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree with a paralegal studies component
- Three years of paralegal work experience
- Student Member – Open to students who are enrolled in an institutionally-accredited paralegal program
- Sustaining Member – Open to legal services organizations or any other individual who supports CAP
- Educator Member – Open to individuals who are currently teaching or directing courses in paralegal studies at an institutionally-accredited program
Greater Dayton Paralegal Association (GDPA)
Affiliated with NFPA, GDPA serves the Dayton region and offers membership opportunities for practicing paralegals, students, and legal professionals supporting the paralegal profession.
Large Law Firms and Employers in Ohio
Ohio’s metropolitan areas boast many large law firms. These law firms often hire many paralegals and can be good sources of employment for new paralegals. The combination of corporate headquarters, thriving manufacturing sectors, and robust financial services creates consistent demand for paralegal services across multiple practice areas.
Major Law Firms in Ohio
- Frost Brown Todd
- Taft Stettinius and Hollister
- Roetzel and Andress
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease
- Porter Wright Morris and Arthur
- Dinsmore and Shohl
- Ulmer and Berne
- Baker Hostetler
- Thompson Hine
- Squire, Sanders and Dempsey
- Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan, and Aronoff
- Shumaker, Loo,p and Kendrick
Corporate Legal Departments
Ohio’s Fortune 500 companies maintain substantial in-house legal departments that employ paralegals across various specialties:
- Procter & Gamble – Corporate law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance
- Kroger – Contract management, real estate, employment law
- Nationwide – Insurance law, regulatory affairs, litigation support
- Progressive – Claims management, regulatory compliance, litigation
- Macy’s – Corporate law, employment law, contract management
- Eaton – Intellectual property, international trade, corporate law
Government Opportunities
State and local government agencies provide stable paralegal positions with strong benefits:
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Ohio Department of Health
- Ohio Department of Transportation
- County prosecutor’s offices
- Public defender offices
- Municipal law departments
Important Contacts and Resources
- Cincinnati Paralegal Association (CPA), affiliated with the NFPA
- Cleveland Association of Paralegals, Inc. (CAP), affiliated with the NFPA
- Paralegal Association of Central Ohio (PACO), affiliated with the NFPA
- Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio (PANO), affiliated with the NFPA
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar-Paralegal Certification Program
- Ohio Secretary of State
- Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Judicial System
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a paralegal in Ohio?
No, Ohio doesn’t require specific education or a degree to work as a paralegal. Ohio’s Supreme Court Rule 5.3 allows paralegals to enter the profession through on-the-job training. But most employers prefer candidates with formal paralegal education from an ABA-approved program or accredited institution. Having a certificate or degree gives you a significant advantage in the job market and makes you eligible for OSBA certification within a few years.
What’s the difference between certificated and certified paralegals in Ohio?
Certificated paralegals have completed an educational certificate program, typically after earning a bachelor’s degree. Certified paralegals have passed a professional certification exam demonstrating mastery of legal knowledge. In Ohio, you can become certified through the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) or national organizations like NFPA, NALA, or NALS. Both credentials add value to your career, but they represent different types of achievement.
How much do paralegals make in Ohio?
As of 2024, Ohio paralegals earn an average salary of $61,000 annually ($29.33 per hour). Entry-level paralegals at the 10th percentile earn around $37,930, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% earn $83,530 or more. The median salary is $58,870. Salaries vary by location, with Cleveland offering the highest top-tier salaries at $90,810 for the top 10% of earners.
Which Ohio cities pay paralegals the most?
Cincinnati offers the highest average salary at $64,630, followed by Columbus at $62,380 and Cleveland at $61,810. But Cleveland leads the state for top-tier earners, with the top 10% making $90,810. Other strong markets include Cincinnati ($86,000 for the top 10%), Dayton ($82,740), and Toledo ($83,080). Metropolitan areas generally offer higher salaries than smaller cities due to the concentration of large law firms and corporate headquarters.
Is OSBA certification worth it?
Yes, OSBA certification can significantly benefit your paralegal career in Ohio. While it’s voluntary, certification demonstrates professional competency to employers and clients. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market, potentially leads to higher salaries, and shows your commitment to the profession. Many employers in Ohio prefer or require certification for advancement to senior paralegal positions. The certification also requires continuing education, keeping your skills current.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio has several ABA-approved paralegal programs at institutions like Kent State University, the University of Toledo, and Sinclair Community College. These programs meet rigorous standards set by the American Bar Association, ensuring quality education. While ABA approval isn’t required to work as a paralegal in Ohio, many employers prefer candidates from ABA-approved programs. These programs typically lead to associate or bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in Ohio?
Ohio’s paralegal job market is stable, with approximately 830 annual job openings projected through 2032. While overall employment is expected to see a slight decline of 1.9%, these openings result primarily from workforce turnover as paralegals retire or change careers. Ohio currently has 8,160 paralegal positions, significantly more than neighboring states like Kentucky (3,080) and Indiana (5,970). Opportunities remain strong in major metropolitan areas and for paralegals with specialized skills in areas like healthcare law or intellectual property.
Should I join a paralegal association in Ohio?
Joining a paralegal association offers significant career benefits. Ohio has five regional NFPA-affiliated associations (CPA, CAP, GDPA, PACO, PANO) plus NALS of Northeast Ohio. These organizations provide networking opportunities, continuing education, professional development programs, and connections with local legal employers. Membership helps you stay current with legal developments, meet experienced paralegals who can mentor you, and learn about job openings before they’re publicly advertised. Student memberships are typically available at reduced rates.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio doesn’t require specific education to work as a paralegal, but formal training from an ABA-approved or accredited program gives you a competitive advantage
- Voluntary OSBA certification helps you stand out to employers and demonstrates professional competency in legal knowledge
- Ohio paralegals earn an average of $61,000 annually, with top earners making $83,530 or more, depending on location and specialization
- Cleveland offers the highest top-tier salaries at $90,810 for the 90th percentile, while Cincinnati has the highest average salary at $64,630
- Ohio’s 8,160 paralegal positions generate approximately 830 annual job openings through 2032, primarily from workforce turnover
- Five regional professional associations affiliated with NFPA provide networking, continuing education, and career development opportunities throughout Ohio
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Ohio?
Explore accredited paralegal programs throughout Ohio and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career.
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.
