Paralegal vs Notary Public
Two professional certifications, different career paths. Paralegal and Notary Public compared on earnings, barriers, and growth.
Salary
Paralegal Median
$61,010
Notary Public Median
—
Top-Paying States
| State | Paralegal | Notary Public | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | — | — |
| Washington | $78,010 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | — | — |
| Colorado | $73,380 | — | — |
| California | $72,960 | — | — |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | — | — |
| New York | $66,390 | — | — |
| Oregon | $63,970 | — | — |
| Maryland | $63,560 | — | — |
| Connecticut | $63,260 | — | — |
Requirements at a Glance
| Factor | Paralegal | Notary Public |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time | Not specified | 2-4 weeks |
| Est. Total Cost | — | $80 |
| Exam | Voluntary national exams available (e.g., NALA's CLA/CP, NFPA's PACE/PCCE) | No exam required |
| License Required | Some states | Most states |
| Education | One of the following: First Professional Degree in law from an ABA-approved law school; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in paralegal studies from an Accredited School or Accredited Program; Master's Degree in legal studies or equivalent from an ABA-approved law school; OR a national paralegal certification (NALA CP/CLA, NALS PP, or NFPA RP). Additionally, a specialized course of instruction in professional ethics for LPPs is required, along with specialized courses for each practice area (Family Law, Debt Collection, Landlord/Tenant) unless exempt by a law degree. | Able to read and write English |
| CE Hours/Cycle | 18 hrs | 3 hrs |
Barrier to Entry
Timeline differs: Paralegal typically takes Not specified, while Notary Public takes 2-4 weeks. Notary Public licensing is more universal — required in 100% of states versus 6% for Paralegal.
Job Market
Paralegal Growth
+0.2%
Notary Public Growth
—
Annual Openings
39.3
Annual Openings
—
Bottom Line
Training timelines differ: Paralegal takes Not specified while Notary Public takes 2-4 weeks. If you need to start earning quickly, the shorter path has a real advantage regardless of the salary difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder to get into, paralegal or notary public?
Paralegal typically takes Not specified to complete, while Notary Public takes 2-4 weeks. Difficulty also depends on exam pass rates and state-specific prerequisites.
Can I switch from paralegal to notary public?
Many professionals transition between these roles. Some coursework or clinical hours may transfer, but you'll likely need additional training and a separate license. Check your state's specific requirements.
Which states require licenses for paralegal vs. notary public?
Paralegal requires a state license in about 6% of states, while Notary Public requires one in 100% of states. Requirements vary — always check your specific state.