Paralegal in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Paralegal in North Carolina
To become a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal, individuals must meet specific educational requirements and pass the North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal Examination. The certification is voluntary and not required to work as a paralegal in the state. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and can qualify through various educational paths, including a qualified paralegal studies program or a combination of education and experience. The application fee is $125, and the exam fee is $100. Certification must be renewed annually, requiring 6 hours of continuing paralegal education, with at least one hour in ethics or professional responsibility.
Paralegal Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | For voluntary certification: Must have 'qualified paralegal education' as defined by the board. |
| Exam | North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal Examination ($100) |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | North Carolina does not require a license to work as a paralegal. However, the NC State Bar offers a comprehensive voluntary certification program to become a 'North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal'. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents. There are several educational pathways, including a qualified paralegal studies program, a paralegal certificate with an associate's or bachelor's degree, a Juris Doctorate, or a high school diploma with five years (10,000 hours) of experience and one hour of professional responsibility CLE within 12 months prior to application. National paralegal certifications (CLA/CP from NALA, PACE-RP/CRP from NFPA, or PP from NALS) can also fulfill the educational requirement. The exam is typically offered twice a year, in June and October. |
Source: North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification
Paralegal Salary in North Carolina
The median paralegal salary in North Carolina is $49,390 per year, which is 19.0% below the national median of $61,010.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,150 |
| 25th | $44,810 |
| 50th (median) | $49,390 |
| 75th | $62,420 |
| 90th (experienced) | $82,380 |
North Carolina employs approximately 12,270 paralegals.
Paralegal Job Outlook
AI Impact on Paralegals
High AI Exposure (Score: 1.29/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a Paralegal in North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.