Texas doesn’t mandate paralegal certification, but the State Bar of Texas recommends specific qualifications. You can become a paralegal through an ABA-approved certificate program, an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, national certification (NALA/NFPA), or four years of substantive legal experience. Most paralegals complete associate degree programs that take 2 years.
Texas ranks third in the nation for paralegal employment, with 28,420 professionals working across the state as of May 2023. From Houston’s corporate legal departments to Dallas law firms and San Antonio government agencies, Texas offers paralegals abundant opportunities in one of the country’s strongest legal markets. Major employers include corporate powerhouses such as ExxonMobil, AT&T, and ConocoPhillips, as well as prestigious law firms such as Baker Botts LLP, Vinson & Elkins, and Locke Lord LLP.
Texas was among the first states to formally recognize paralegals by creating a Paralegal Division within the State Bar in 1981. The State Bar also established a voluntary certification process through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), setting professional standards that have influenced the paralegal profession nationwide.
This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a paralegal in Texas, including education requirements, certification options, salary data across 27 cities, program choices at 40+ institutions, and professional associations that support career development.
Education Requirements for Texas Paralegals
The State Bar of Texas has developed standards for entering the paralegal profession, even though certification isn’t legally required. These standards call on attorneys to hire paralegals who have one of the following qualifications:
Recognized Qualification Paths:
TBLS specialty certification through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization provides the highest credential. National certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) demonstrates competency across core paralegal skills.
You can also qualify with a bachelor’s or higher degree in any subject, combined with at least one year of work experience under direct attorney supervision while performing substantive legal work, plus at least 15 hours of continuing legal education completed annually.
Graduation from an ABA-approved certificate program in paralegal studies provides focused training recognized by employers. Completion of a paralegal studies program at an accredited college or university builds comprehensive knowledge. Finally, completion of at least four years of substantive legal work experience under attorney supervision demonstrates practical competency.
The State Bar actively promotes professional development by recommending that lawyers who employ paralegals encourage them to attend continuing legal education (CLE) programs, earn paralegal board certification through TBLS, pursue national paralegal certification, and join the Paralegal Division of the State Bar or local professional paralegal organizations.
Paralegal Certification in Texas
In the paralegal profession, the terms “certificated,” “certified,” and “certification” are often used interchangeably, though they signify different things.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are educational programs that offer a certificate of completion but no degree. Their graduates are considered certificated paralegals. Certificates can be helpful in those who already have a degree in another subject and desire focused coursework in paralegal studies to supplement their previous education. Some certificate programs will admit students with no prior higher education who desire a focused course in paralegal studies.
National Certification
National certification, offered by national professional paralegal associations, is earned through a combination of education, work experience, and successful completion of a national exam. Once passing the exam, a paralegal becomes a certified paralegal. Currently, there are three active exams from which to choose:
The PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam) offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) tests advanced competency. The PCC (Paralegal CORE Competency Exam), also provided by NFPA, focuses on core competencies.
The CLA/CP (Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal) offered by NALA is widely recognized across the legal industry.
Requirements for the national exams differ between the professional paralegal organizations. Note that NALS previously offered the PP (Professional Paralegal) certification exam, but this credential has been retired.
Texas Board of Legal Specialization Certification
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization offers certification to experienced paralegals who have chosen to focus their work and continuing education on one area of law. Mirroring the legal specialization certificate available to attorneys, paralegal certification is offered in five areas:
Civil trial law
Criminal law
Estate planning and probate law
Family law
Real estate law
Minimum requirements for taking the specialization certification exam include five years of experience as a paralegal, with three of those years focused on a single area of expertise. You must currently work as a paralegal under attorney supervision, have at least half of your paralegal duties concentrated in your chosen area of specialization, attend continuing education seminars, pass an exam, and meet one of the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in any subject, graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program, graduation from a paralegal program that is at least 60 semester credits with 18 in substantive legal courses, graduation from a paralegal program that includes at least 18 semester credits that are substantive legal courses and at least 45 semester credits in general, or two years of paralegal experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
Additional requirements can be found at the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website.
Paralegal Programs and Schools in Texas
The body of knowledge required to perform legal support services effectively can only be acquired through 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 assume has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Texas have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only be gained through earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
The Texas State Bar and many local professional paralegal associations encourage aspiring paralegals to pursue education before seeking employment. Many employers also value education, as it demonstrates an employee’s commitment to the field and provides a baseline of legal knowledge. Paralegals who may desire national certification or state specialization certification should thoroughly research educational programs to ensure they’re approved by the ABA or offered by an accredited institution.
Texas offers 40+ paralegal programs across the state, with options ranging from certificate programs to bachelor’s degrees. Both online schools and campus-based institutions throughout Texas offer programs that prepare students for the changing dynamics within the profession.
Alvin Community College
AAS in Paralegal (Campus)
Paralegal Certificate (Campus, post-degree)
Amarillo Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Professional Certificate in Legal Studies/Paralegal (Campus, post-degree)
Arlington Career Institute
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate (Campus, hybrid)
Austin Community College
AAS in Paralegal (Campus)
Advanced Paralegal Technical Certificate (Campus, post-baccalaureate)
Blinn College
AAS in Legal Assistant (Campus/Online)
Legal Office Certificate (Campus/Online, undergraduate)
Center for Advanced Legal Studies
AAS in Paralegal (Campus/Online)
Paralegal Certificate (Campus/Online, undergraduate)
Central Texas College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus, online)
Paralegal Studies Certificate (Campus, online)
Collin County Community College District
AAS in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies (Campus)
Certificate of Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Dallas College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Del Mar College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Advanced Technical Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
El Paso Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies (Campus, post-associate’s)
Houston Baptist University
BA in Legal Studies/Pre-Law (Campus)
Houston Community College
Paralegal Technology AAS (Campus)
Paralegal Technology – Law Office Clerk Certificate Level 1 (Campus)
Paralegal Technology – Legal Assistant Certificate Level 1 (Campus)
Kilgore College
AAS in Legal Assisting/Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Lamar State College-Port Arthur
AAS in Paralegal (Campus)
Lee College
AAS in Paralegal (Campus)
Paralegal Certificate (Campus, post-baccalaureate)
Lone Star College
AAS in Paralegal (Campus)
Advanced Technical Certificate in Paralegal (Campus, post-degree)
McLennan Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Midland Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus, online)
Beginning Legal Technician Certificate (Campus, online)
National American University-Georgetown
AS in Professional Legal Studies (Online)
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Online)
BS in Professional Legal Studies (Online)
BS in Paralegal Studies (Online)
Navarro College
AAS in Paralegal Studies with option for Criminal Justice emphasis (Campus)
Paralegal Studies Certificate (Campus)
Odessa College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Legal Studies Level I Certificate (Campus)
Legal Studies Level II Certificate (Campus)
Paul Quinn College
BA in Legal Studies and Criminology (Campus)
San Antonio College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary Level I Certificate (Campus)
San Jacinto College-North
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
South Plains College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Paralegal Studies Certificate (Campus)
South Texas College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Legal Office Specialist Certificate (Campus)
St. Mary’s University
Legal Studies Certificate (Campus)
Stephen F Austin State University
Minor in Legal Studies (Campus)
Tarleton State University
BA in Legal Studies (Campus)
Tarrant County College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Advanced Technical Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Campus, post-baccalaureate)
Texas A&M University-Commerce
BA/BS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Texas Southmost College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Legal Assisting Certificate of Proficiency Level 1 (Campus)
Tyler Junior College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Hybrid)
University of Houston-Clear Lake
BS in Legal Studies (Campus, hybrid)
Vista College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Wharton County Junior College
AAS in Paralegal Studies (Campus)
Paralegal Salaries in Texas
Texas employs 28,420 paralegals as of May 2023, making it the third-largest market for paralegal employment in the nation. The state’s strong economy, which ranks second in the U.S. behind only California, supports more than 100 of the nation’s largest companies. From AT&T to ExxonMobil to Dell, Texas is home to economic strength and vitality.
The state’s legal services industry has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the American Bar Association, the number of active attorneys in Texas grew by approximately 17 percent from 2011 to 2021, totaling around 110,000 by 2023. This growth in active attorneys naturally translates into increased opportunities for paralegals.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2023, paralegals in Texas earn a median annual salary of $59,700, or $28.70 per hour. The average salary is slightly higher at $62,650, or $30.12 per hour. Once you’ve gained considerable experience, particularly in one or more legal specialties like corporate law, litigation, bankruptcy law, or estate law, you can expect compensation in the top 10 percent, which starts at $96,530 annually or $46.41 per hour.
Texas paralegal salaries are competitive compared to neighboring states. During this same period, the average salary for paralegals in Texas was higher than in New Mexico ($58,620), Oklahoma ($54,950), and Louisiana ($52,380).
Entry-level paralegals in the 10th percentile earn approximately $39,710 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make around $48,670. Mid-career paralegals at the 75th percentile earn about $75,040.
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Paralegal salaries vary significantly across Texas’s major metropolitan areas. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranks eighth among metro areas nationwide for paralegal employment as of May 2023 and offers substantial compensation. This central metro area is home to major corporations such as Texas Instruments, Dean Foods, and Southwest Airlines.
| City/Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $49,770 ($23.93/hour) | $68,620 ($32.99/hour) |
| Amarillo | $54,060 ($25.99/hour) | $77,020 ($37.03/hour) |
| Beaumont | $52,200 ($25.10/hour) | $79,590 ($38.27/hour) |
| Brownsville | $49,560 ($23.83/hour) | $72,480 ($34.84/hour) |
| College Station | $53,940 ($25.93/hour) | $77,500 ($37.26/hour) |
| Corpus Christi | $56,030 ($26.94/hour) | $77,690 ($37.35/hour) |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $66,000 ($31.73/hour) | $98,830 ($47.52/hour) |
| Eagle Pass | $44,820 ($21.55/hour) | $62,190 ($29.90/hour) |
| El Paso | $51,480 ($24.75/hour) | $75,160 ($36.14/hour) |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $68,870 ($33.11/hour) | $100,560 ($48.35/hour) |
| Johnson City | $50,190 ($24.13/hour) | $59,040 ($28.39/hour) |
| Killeen-Temple | $52,900 ($25.43/hour) | $76,890 ($36.97/hour) |
| Laredo | $53,220 ($25.59/hour) | $96,320 ($46.31/hour) |
| Longview | $52,820 ($25.40/hour) | $66,550 ($32.00/hour) |
| Lubbock | $47,430 ($22.80/hour) | $67,330 ($32.37/hour) |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $44,680 ($21.48/hour) | $62,420 ($30.01/hour) |
| Midland | $64,100 ($30.82/hour) | $112,520 ($54.09/hour) |
| Odessa | $55,070 ($26.48/hour) | $76,540 ($36.80/hour) |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown | $66,960 ($32.19/hour) | $103,830 ($49.92/hour) |
| San Angelo | $47,750 ($22.96/hour) | $69,300 ($33.32/hour) |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $56,510 ($27.17/hour) | $79,100 ($38.03/hour) |
| Sherman-Denison | $49,460 ($23.78/hour) | $76,560 ($36.81/hour) |
| Texarkana | $51,740 ($24.88/hour) | $71,390 ($34.32/hour) |
| Tyler | $51,560 ($24.79/hour) | $71,320 ($34.29/hour) |
| Victoria | $48,120 ($23.14/hour) | $62,490 ($30.04/hour) |
| Waco | $53,240 ($25.60/hour) | $72,830 ($35.01/hour) |
| Wichita Falls | $48,460 ($23.30/hour) | $65,960 ($31.71/hour) |
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land offers the highest average salary at $68,870, followed by Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington at $66,000 and Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown at $66,960. The Midland metro area stands out with the highest top 10 percent salary at $112,520, reflecting the region’s oil and gas industry concentration.
Job Growth and Outlook
The job outlook for paralegals in Texas remains strong, with 3,210 annual job openings projected through 2032. This growth is driven by continued expansion in corporate legal departments, government agencies, and law firms across the state’s major metropolitan areas. The strongest demand continues in litigation support, corporate law, real estate law, and family law practices.
Texas Paralegal Associations
Texas is home to more than twenty paralegal associations as well as several paralegal divisions of state bar associations. Twenty-five of these organizations have chosen to affiliate as the Texas Alliance of Paralegal Associations (TAPA). Members of TAPA collaborate to further the development of the paralegal profession, network with paralegals across the state, support continued education, and monitor issues affecting paralegals statewide.
Individually, TAPA’s member organizations support their local paralegals and work to build strong relationships with regional bar associations and other members of the legal community. The local professional organizations offer a range of benefits to their members, from networking opportunities to support through the certification process to pro bono community outreach.
Texas Association of Legal Professionals (Texas ALP)
The state-level affiliate of NALS promotes NALS paralegal certifications. It offers membership levels for individuals engaged in legal work, associates like educators and attorneys, students, retired members, life members, and international members. Local chapters include the Houston Association of Legal Professionals, the San Antonio Legal Support Association, the Waco Legal Professionals Association, the NALS of Amarillo, the Austin Legal Professionals Association, and the El Paso Association of Legal Professionals.
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
This organization provides the optional Board Certified Paralegal certification in five specialty areas for paralegals who want to distinguish their skills: civil trial law, criminal law, estate planning and probate law, family law, and real estate law. You can qualify with at least 5 years of paralegal experience, current work under attorney supervision, a concentration in your chosen specialty, attendance at continuing education, passing an exam, and meeting educational requirements.
Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA)
An affiliate of the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA), CAPA serves the Austin area. It offers voting membership to employed paralegals who meet specific education or experience requirements, associate membership for those building qualifications, emeritus membership for retired members, student membership, and sustaining membership for organizations supporting the paralegal profession.
Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA)
An affiliate of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), DAPA offers voting membership to employed or freelance paralegals who meet the education and experience requirements, non-voting membership for those building credentials, student membership, and sustaining membership. DAPA emphasizes professional development and networking opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
El Paso Paralegal Association (EPPA)
A NALA affiliate serving the El Paso region, EPPA offers active membership to qualified paralegals, associate membership for those building experience, student membership, and sustaining membership for organizations that support the paralegal concept.
Houston Area Paralegal Organizations
The Houston metropolitan area supports multiple associations including Houston Corporate Paralegal Association (HCPA), a NALA affiliate focused on corporate legal departments, and Houston Paralegal Association (HPA), also affiliated with NALA. Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association (HMPA) provides additional networking and professional development opportunities in the nation’s fourth-largest city.
North Texas Paralegal Association (NTPA)
A NALA affiliate serving the northern Texas region, NTPA offers active membership to paralegals meeting education and experience standards, associate/student membership, sustaining membership, and honorary membership.
San Antonio Paralegal Association (SAPA)
A NALA affiliate, SAPA offers voting membership to employed paralegals with training or experience, associate membership for those not currently employed but qualified, student membership, and sustaining membership.
State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division
The Paralegal Division works to communicate relevant topics to paralegals throughout the state, increase paralegals’ participation in the justice system, encourage public service, and promote high levels of professionalism and ethics. Membership is open to paralegals throughout Texas, with active membership available to those working under direct attorney supervision, spending 80 percent of their time on substantive legal work, and meeting specific educational requirements. The division also offers associate, emeritus, student, subscribing, and sustaining membership levels.
Regional Associations
Additional regional associations include J.L. Turner Legal Association (JLTLA) Paralegal Section, Northeast Texas Association of Paralegals (NTAP), Southeast Texas Association of Paralegals (SETAP), Texas Panhandle Paralegal Association (TPPA), Tyler Area Association of Legal Professionals (TAALP), and West Texas Paralegal Association (WTPA). Each serves specific geographic regions and offers networking, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.
Finding Paralegal Jobs in Texas
Law firms employ the most paralegals and can be good places to begin a job search. Texas is home to many large law firms, particularly in its metropolitan areas. Major law firms with Texas offices include:
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Baker Botts, Vinson & Elkins, Fulbright & Jaworski, Haynes and Boone, Locke Liddell & Sapp, Andrews & Kurth, Thompson & Knight, Bracewell & Patterson, Winstead Sechrest & Minick, Jackson Walker, Gardere Wynne Sewell, Strasburger & Price, and Jones Day.
Corporate legal departments also employ significant numbers of paralegals. Texas corporate powerhouses like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, AT&T, Texas Instruments, Dean Foods, and Southwest Airlines maintain in-house legal teams that require paralegal support for contracts, compliance, intellectual property, and other corporate legal matters.
Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels employ paralegals in areas including criminal prosecution, regulatory compliance, civil litigation, and administrative law. The Texas Attorney General’s office, district attorneys’ offices, and federal agencies with Texas offices regularly hire paralegals.
Important Contacts
Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA)
Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA)
Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association (HMPA)
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division
Texas Paralegal Standards
Texas Board of Legal Specialization – Paralegal Certification Process
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a paralegal in Texas?
Texas doesn’t legally require paralegal certification, but the State Bar of Texas recommends specific qualifications. You can qualify through TBLS specialty certification, national certification through NALA or NFPA, a bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience and 15 hours of annual CLE, an ABA-approved certificate program, a paralegal studies program at an accredited institution, or four years of substantive legal work experience under attorney supervision. Most paralegals complete associate or bachelor’s degree programs.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Texas?
The timeline depends on your education path. Certificate programs take 6-12 months for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree programs require two years of full-time study. Bachelor’s degree programs take four years. If you choose the work experience route, you need at least four years of substantive legal work under attorney supervision. Most people complete associate degree programs that take 2 years.
Is paralegal certification mandatory in Texas?
No, paralegal certification isn’t legally required in Texas. However, the State Bar of Texas has established standards that recommend specific qualifications for paralegals. Many employers prefer or require candidates to meet these standards. Voluntary certification through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization or national certification through NALA or NFPA strengthens your credentials and demonstrates competency to employers.
How much do paralegals make in Texas?
Paralegals in Texas earn a median salary of $59,700 per year or $28.70 per hour as of May 2023. Entry-level paralegals start around $39,710 annually, while experienced paralegals in the top 10 percent earn $96,530 or more. Salaries vary by location: Houston averages $68,870, Dallas-Fort Worth averages $66,000, and Austin averages $66,960 annually. Specialization, experience level, and employer type also affect compensation.
What’s the difference between TBLS certification and national certification?
TBLS certification focuses on specialization in one of five practice areas (civil trial law, criminal law, estate planning and probate law, family law, or real estate law). It requires five years of paralegal experience with three years concentrated in your specialty area. National certification through NALA or NFPA demonstrates core competency across general paralegal skills and typically requires less experience. Both credentials are voluntary and enhance your professional standing, but TBLS certification is Texas-specific, while national certification is recognized nationwide.
Can I work as a paralegal in Texas with an online degree?
Yes, Texas employers accept online paralegal education as long as the program is accredited and meets State Bar standards. Several Texas institutions offer online or hybrid paralegal programs, including Blinn College, Center for Advanced Legal Studies, Central Texas College, and National American University-Georgetown. If you’re seeking national certification or TBLS certification later, verify that your online program is approved by the ABA or offered by an accredited institution that meets certification requirements.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in Texas?
Texas employs 28,420 paralegals as of May 2023, ranking third nationally for paralegal employment. The job outlook remains strong with 3,210 annual job openings projected through 2032. Growth is driven by expansion in corporate legal departments, government agencies, and law firms. The number of active attorneys in Texas grew approximately 17 percent from 2011 to 2021, reaching around 110,000 by 2023, indicating increased demand for paralegal support. Major employment centers include Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
Key Takeaways
- Texas ranks third in the nation for paralegal employment with 28,420 professionals working statewide, offering abundant opportunities across diverse practice areas and major metropolitan markets.
- The State Bar of Texas recognizes six qualification paths for paralegals, including TBLS certification, national certification, degree programs, and work experience, though certification isn’t legally required.
- Paralegals in Texas earn a median salary of $59,700 annually, with top earners making $96,530 or more. Houston offers the highest average salary at $68,870, followed by Austin at $66,960 and Dallas-Fort Worth at $66,000.
- Texas offers 40+ paralegal programs statewide, ranging from certificate programs (6-12 months) to associate degrees (2 years) to bachelor’s degrees (4 years), with both campus and online options available.
- The Texas Board of Legal Specialization offers voluntary specialty certification in five practice areas for experienced paralegals who want to demonstrate focused expertise in civil trial law, criminal law, estate planning and probate law, family law, or real estate law.
- Twenty-five paralegal associations affiliated with TAPA provide networking, continuing education, certification support, and professional development opportunities across all regions of Texas.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Texas?
Explore ABA-approved programs and connect with Texas paralegal associations to begin your journey in one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic legal markets.
Salary Disclaimer: Most recent available data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) for 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.
