which is the more lucrative profession, a career as a paralegal or a career as a radiographer?

Question

hello all. ive narrowed my career choices down to either being in the health field as a radiographer, or the legal field as a paralegal. can anybody who has experience in one of these professions give me information as far as salary, time off , workload and advancement opportunities? thanks alot.

Answer 1

I have worked over ten plus years as a litigation paralegal and never have lacked jobs. I have my undergrad degree plus my ABA paralegal certificate -- both definitely help in terms of getting higher paying jobs.

As for salary, it depends on the firm. Many larger firms offer competitive salaries and throw in overtime and double overtime. (So, if you don't mind working the long hours, it can be quite lucrative.) Smaller firms, while their salaries might not be as lucrative, offer you the chance to wear many hats and you are introduced to every facet of a case. (I often accompanied attorneys to court -- whether it be for hearings or trials whereas, with the huge firm, I saw the inside of a courtroom once.) Government and in house jobs might not pay as much but they generally don't ask you to work over time.

The thing to consider is the type of law you're interested in specializing in. That will determine the kind of employer you want to work and, thus, their wages and benefits.

As for time off, it's standard with most private law firms to offer two weeks vacation/personal time and one week sick time. After "x" amount of years, the vacation days increase.

As for advancement, unfortunately, it is limited in the paralegal world. Better salaries mean jumping ship occasionally but your title doesn't necessarily change (although there are people who call themselves, "Senior Paralegals" to differentiate themselves from the newbies. I've met a "Trial Specialist" who, in fact, turned out to be a senior paralegal). Also, because of the limited career advancement, people start getting territorial about who gets the bigger office/cube/case or works with a certain partner/attorney, etc.
There are some who become a lead paralegal and oversee (whether permanently or temporary to a case) other paralegals -- many junior ones.

Also, if you develop a good rapport with an attorney, that could prove beneficial, too. Oftentimes, they'll ask to work only with you. And, like paralegals, attorneys move around and there are ones who'll take their paralegals to the new firm as part of the move.

Strong communication and written skills are a definite plus as well as thinking quick on one's feet and mutitasking. Good luck with you career choice and hope you're happy with what you choose!

Answer 2

I have been a paralegal for 16+ years. I've lived in California, Michigan and Texas. One thing I have noticed is there is always work for paralegals, no matter what the economy. In California in 2003 I was making $50,000. Moved to Michigan and Made between $35,000-$40,000. In Texas it varies but between $45,000-$55,000 per year is what you can expect. Good luck!

Answer 3

Radiologic Technologist: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm
Paralegal: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm