We’ve got a reputation for country music and moonshine, but we should be known for our paralegal prospects. Named a Forbes’ Best State for Business due to its low cost of doing business and attractive regulatory climate, Tennessee’s economic climate is bright, which bodes well for paralegal opportunities in corporations, law firms, governmental agencies, and nonprofits.
Tennessee is home to the corporate headquarters of FedEx, AutoZone and International Paper, all based in Memphis, while tourism industry remains robust, thanks to places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the nation’s most visited national parks. Whether you’re new to the profession or an established professional rising through the professional ranks, you’ll find plenty of exciting opportunities in Tennessee as a paralegal.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Tennessee
As of May 2020, the average salary for paralegals in Tennessee was $48,990, or $23.56 per hour. But for those who have extensive experience and top credentials, salaries here can go much higher. In fact, the top 10% of paralegals in Tennessee earned about $75,820, or $36.45 per hour during this time.
Average Paralegal Salary in Tennessee by City
The Kingsport-Bristol area, Knoxville, and Chattanooga metro areas offered the highest average salaries, in that order, as of May 2020.
Chattanooga:
Average – $48,800 ($23.46 hourly)
Top 10% – $74,280 ($35.71 hourly)
Clarksville:
Average – $39,650 ($19.07 hourly)
Top 10% – $52,500 ($25.24 hourly)
Jackson:
Average – $36,890 ($17.74 hourly)
Top 10% – $50,560 ($24.31 hourly)
Johnson City:
Average – $46,260 ($22.24 hourly)
Top 10% – $65,390 ($31.44 hourly)
Kingsport-Bristol:
Average – $57,860 ($27.82 hourly)
Top 10% – $94,700 ($45.53 hourly)
Knoxville:
Average – $54,450 ($26.18 hourly)
Top 10% – $86,990 ($41.82 hourly)
Memphis:
Average – $44,840 ($21.56 hourly)
Top 10% – $64,460 ($30.99 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.