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The route to becoming a paralegal in South Dakota might be simpler than in other states.
However, you do have to consider the sparsity of paralegal job opportunities in this less populated state.
There is also a lack of training facilities and programs for paralegals.
Find out what you need to do in order to become an SD paralegal.
Then, check out these three schools’ training paralegals in South Dakota, along with salary information and some frequently asked questions about this career field.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in South Dakota
- 2 3 Paralegal Schools in South Dakota
- 3 Salary
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 Where are the best places to live when working as a paralegal in South Dakota?
- 4.2 Can I be a paralegal for Mount Rushmore National Park?
- 4.3 Should I get a job as a paralegal in South Dakota?
- 4.4 Where can I expect to work as a paralegal in South Dakota?
- 4.5 What is the weather like for a paralegal in SD?
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in South Dakota
In order to get hired as a paralegal in South Dakota, there are not any special requirements.
This includes schooling or certification requirements, such as going through a paralegal training program.
However, students who are interested in becoming paralegals in South Dakota will need to pursue advanced training.
The training should include a state or nationally accredited program that is accepted among employers.
Here are three examples of schools in South Dakota where students can learn about how to become a paralegal.
3 Paralegal Schools in South Dakota
Western Dakota Technical College
The Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City serves students West River of the state.
Here, classes are online, which is convenient if you want to train to become a paralegal at home in South Dakota.
This course program includes a pathway to legal assistant, which is a good alternative to working as a paralegal in SD.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota has the Knudson School of Law, which is located in Vermillion, SD in the southeastern part of the state.
This is near Sioux City, Iowa, and the Nebraska border, which is a Tri-State area and attracts a lot of students and legal professionals as well.
While there is not a paralegal studies program, students can enroll in law school and train in legal studies.
This will prepare a student to work as a paralegal professional and give students networking opportunities to find paid employment.
National American University
National American University in Rapid City, SD is offering a couple of training programs for students interested in paralegal studies.
This includes a paralegal online associate degree and an online bachelor’s degree.
The courses are 100 percent online and include three legal specializations.
The total is 13.5 credit hours, all delivered virtually.
Paralegal Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703 |
| University of South Dakota | 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069 |
| National American University | 3800 Fairway Hills Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702 |
Salary
The average salary for a paralegal in the US is $60,148 a year.
Compare this to the city of Sioux Falls in SD where the salary for a paralegal is $53,995 a year.
Then you have Rapid City, which is another big town in South Dakota.
The salary for a paralegal in Rapid City, SD is $52,202 a year.
For comparison, take the smaller town of Deadwood, SD.
Paralegals earn a salary of $51,300 a year in Deadwood, SD.
As you can see, the salary decreases when working in a smaller town, but that is also in line with the lower cost of living.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $54,146 |
| Rapid City | $52,348 |
| Aberdeen | $49,158 |
| Watertown | $53,241 |
| Brookings | $53,241 |
| Mitchell | $53,240 |
| Pierre | $50,062 |
| Yankton | $52,015 |
| Huron | $51,199 |
| Vermillion | $50,792 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 120 | $57,850 | $27.81 | $74,300 | $44,510 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 190 | $60,580 | $29.13 | $73,280 | $44,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best places to live when working as a paralegal in South Dakota?
If you want the best career opportunities, go to the big cities of Rapid City or Sioux Falls.
For small-town charm and greater advances in personal development with starting a career as a paralegal, choose Chamberlain, Lemmons, or even Platte, SD.
The populations are less than 5,000 people in most of these cities, yet the communities are thriving.
Can I be a paralegal for Mount Rushmore National Park?
Sure!
There is always a chance when it comes to employment, and Mount Rushmore National Park is located in South Dakota in the western part of the state.
If you want to work for a national park, though, you might want to get in contact with the national park reserves or associations associated with that organization.
Should I get a job as a paralegal in South Dakota?
If you are interested in the legal profession or have some experience working with lawyers, the career of a paralegal is a good route to take in South Dakota.
Paralegals work with attorneys and lawyers and are needed even in small towns.
Therefore, you will most likely be able to find employment as a paralegal in SD.
Where can I expect to work as a paralegal in South Dakota?
There are a lot of paralegal job opportunities in South Dakota depending on what kind of work you are interested in getting into.
This ranges from environmental to corporate law in the meat packing industry, as South Dakota is big in the cattle business.
John Morrell is a great example of a local company–this one based in Sioux Falls–where you can work as a paralegal.
What is the weather like for a paralegal in SD?
South Dakota is infamous for its hot windy summers and blizzards in the winter.
You really do not want to move to South Dakota in January and start your new job as a paralegal–unless you previously lived in Antarctica.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State