Unemployment rate
| The unemployment rate for paralegals is 3%, which is lower than the national average of 7% (2004). Globally, the unemployment rate in this field has been decreasing since the 1990s.
Since 1997, the number of paralegals has increased by 37%. In 2004, there were 32,900 practising paralegals in Canada. |
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Average salary
| The average salary for paralegals is $20/hour, which is slightly higher than the national average of $18.07. The salary increases with experience, with senior paralegals earning $21.36/hour on average, while more junior staff earn $13.49/hour. |
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Distribution by age
| Most paralegals are between 25 and 54 years of age, and the majority retire at about 62. |
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Part-time work
| Paralegals usually work full time; only 9% hold down part-time jobs. |
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Male/female ratio
| The paralegal profession attracts more women than men, with women accounting for 81% of paralegals, or about double the national average for all occupations combined. |
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Source: Job Futures, 2004 figures |