Paralegal work qualifications/pay?

I'm working towards my bachelor's (polysci major and history minor). Will a job applicant look better with a bachelor's and paralegal certification as opposed to just a certification or associates? I would imagine so but wanted to check. Also I don't want to go to law school but want to make decent money. I've done research and found that paralegal work will pay around 50k per year average with 10 years plus of work experience. I know its hard to say, but for one person living modestly (nice stuff but not luxury) is 50k a year enough to pay bills and still put money in the bank generally speaking? Thanks.