September 11, 2025

If you’ve been considering a career in law but don’t necessarily want to spend years in law school, working as a paralegal might be the right fit. Paralegals combine legal knowledge, research skills, and client communication to play an essential role in the legal system. But before starting the journey, there’s one question many people ask: how much do paralegals make in Canada? 
 

The short answer: wages are competitive, demand is steady, and opportunities are available in every province. The long answer is even more interesting, because salaries vary depending on region, employer, and experience level. In this guide, we’ll explore national wages, province-by-province breakdowns, regional highlights, benefits, and job prospects, plus how training through a Paralegal Diploma program can increase your earning potential. 

Why Paralegals Are Important 

Paralegals are the unsung heroes of the legal world. While lawyers take the spotlight in court, paralegals provide the behind-the-scenes support that makes the justice system work. They: 
 

• Draft contracts, wills, pleadings, affidavits, and other legal documents 
• Conduct legal research to help lawyers prepare cases 
• Organize evidence, case files, and deadlines 
• Communicate with clients and prepare them for legal procedures 
• Handle court filings and administrative work 
• Represent clients in small claims, tribunals, and traffic court (Ontario only) 
   

Without paralegals, many firms and legal departments simply couldn’t function efficiently. They keep cases on track, support clients, and ensure accuracy in every detail. 
 

🎓 Bonus Read: How to Become a Paralegal in Canada? 

National Overview: How Much Do Paralegals Make in Canada? 

So, how much do paralegals make in Canada overall? According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (updated December 2024), here’s the national picture: 
 

The median wage of $32.69/hour means a full-time paralegal working 37.5 hours per week could earn around $67,995 annually before taxes. At the higher end, paralegals making $48/hour or more could earn nearly $94,000 annually. 
 

Paralegal Wages by Province and Region 

Now let’s dig deeper province by province. 

How Much Do Paralegals Make in Alberta 

Alberta is one of the top-paying provinces for paralegals. 
 

Highlights: Edmonton leads with a median wage close to $38/hour, while Calgary matches the provincial averages. High wages reaching $52/hour show Alberta is a strong market for paralegals. 
 

🎓 Study Paralegal in Alberta: CDI College Alberta 🎓 

How Much Do Paralegals Make in British Columbia 

BC paralegals also earn competitive wages, especially in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. 
 

Highlights: The Lower Mainland is a standout, offering wages that climb to $55/hour, among the highest in Canada. 
 

🎓 Study Paralegal in BC: CDI College BC 🎓 

How Much Do Paralegals Make in Ontario 

Ontario is unique: it’s the only province where paralegals are licensed and can work independently in certain areas. 
 

Highlights: Toronto offers the highest wages, with top earners making $55/hour. Ontario’s licensing framework makes it especially attractive for those who want autonomy in their work. 
 

🎓 Study Paralegal in Ontario: CDI College Ontario 🎓 

How Much Do Paralegals Make in Quebec 

Quebec paralegals see steady pay across the province. 
 

Highlights: While the median is lower than Alberta and BC, Quebec’s top earners reach over $48/hour, showing room for strong growth with experience. 

Other Provinces and Territories 

Here’s a snapshot of other regions: 
 

Highlights: Manitoba shows surprising highs of $67/hour for experienced paralegals. Saskatchewan and Yukon also stand out with strong top wages above $50/hour. 

Why Wages Vary Across Canada 

Several factors explain why wages differ across the country: 
 

• Cost of living: Higher wages in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto reflect expensive housing markets. 
• Demand for legal services: Busy urban centres often pay more. 
• Specialization: Paralegals working in corporate, real estate, or litigation often earn more than those in general practice. 
• Experience: Senior paralegals or team leads naturally earn closer to the high range. 
• Regulation: Ontario’s licensing gives paralegals unique independence, often leading to higher earnings. 

Beyond Hourly Wages: Benefits 

Compensation isn’t just about salary. Job Bank data shows: 
 

• Canada: 87.7% of paralegals receive at least one non-wage benefit 
• Ontario: 85.3% receive benefits 

Common benefits include: 
 

• Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance 
• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• Parental and caregiver leave 
• Pension plans and contributions to CPP/QPP 
• Employer contributions to EI 
   

These benefits add significant value beyond hourly pay. 

Job Prospects for Paraegals in Canada 

The good news is that paralegal demand is steady. 
 

Nationally, labour demand and supply are expected to stay balanced from 2024 to 2033. With 31% of paralegals aged 50+, retirements will create fresh openings for new graduates. 
 
 
Bonus Read: Difference Between Paralegals and Legal Assistants? 
 

Tips to Maximize Your Earning Potential 

If you want to make the most out of your paralegal career, consider these strategies: 
 

• Choose a specialization – Focusing on high-demand areas like corporate law or real estate can lead to higher pay. 
• Continue learning – Professional development courses, workshops, and certifications increase your value. 
• Build experience – The more cases and responsibilities you handle, the stronger your earning power. 
• Network through associations – Join provincial paralegal associations for mentorship, job opportunities, and industry connections. 
• Consider working in Ontario – Licensing opens the door to independent practice in specific legal areas. 

How a Paralegal Diploma Can Boost Your Career 

If you are considering this career, enrolling in a Paralegal Diploma program is one of the best ways to get started. A structured program teaches you the practical skills employers look for, such as: 
 

• Legal research and writing 
• Document drafting and conveyancing 
• Business English and communication 
• Real estate law, family law, wills and estates, and civil litigation 
• Professional ethics and procedures 
  ​​​​​​​

Many diploma programs also include a practicum placement, giving you real-world legal office experience. For example, CDI College offers a 140-hour practicum as part of its Paralegal Diploma, along with career services like resume building and interview preparation. Graduates are ready to step into positions such as: 
 

• Paralegal 
• Legal Assistant 
• Law Clerk 
• Real Estate Conveyancer 
  ​​​​​​​

With online and in-person options available across multiple provinces, this diploma provides flexibility while preparing you for the job market. 

FAQs About Paralegal Salaries in Canada 

1. Which province pays paralegals the most? 
Alberta, BC, and Ontario are among the top-paying provinces, with wages often surpassing $50/hour for experienced professionals. 
 

2. Do paralegals make more than legal assistants? 
Yes. Legal assistants typically earn around $25/hour, while paralegals average closer to $33/hour nationally.
 

3. Can paralegals work independently? 
Only in Ontario, where paralegals are licensed to represent clients in certain cases such as small claims court and tribunals. 
 

4. How much can entry-level paralegals expect to make? 
New graduates typically start between $20–25/hour, depending on location and employer. 
 

5. What is the annual salary range for paralegals? 
Full-time paralegals earn anywhere from $39,000 to $94,000 annually, depending on experience and province. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how much do paralegals make in Canada? The answer depends on where you live, your level of experience, and the type of work you do. On average, paralegals earn a median wage of $32.69 per hour, with higher salaries in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. 
 

With thousands of job openings expected in the coming years due to retirements and rising demand for legal support, now is an excellent time to pursue this career. A Paralegal Diploma program can provide the knowledge, practical training, and industry connections to help you succeed. 
 

Whether you see yourself working in a bustling Toronto law firm, a corporate office in Vancouver, or a family law practice in Calgary, becoming a paralegal can give you a stable, respected, and rewarding career in Canada’s legal field. 

Disclaimer: All wage and job outlook data in this article were sourced from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. Updates referenced include wages (December 3, 2024) and job outlooks (December 11, 2024). Figures may change as new labour market information becomes available.