Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
Is paralegals and legal assistants a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #441 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($62,890)
- High volume of openings — about 39,300 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.2%)
What paralegals and legal assistants earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. paralegals and legal assistants earn between $50,340 and $80,080 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live paralegals and legal assistants jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Prospective paralegals have several paths to enter the occupation. A common path is for candidates to earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from a postsecondary institution.
Some employers prefer or require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. Many of these candidates major in a subject such as social science or business and earn a certificate in paralegal studies.
Programs in paralegal studies, which are offered at various education levels, are typically accredited by professional organizations. These programs usually include courses in legal research, legal writing, and an introduction to law and the legal system. They also include courses in specific areas, such as criminal, family, or contract law.
Employers sometimes hire candidates who have no legal experience or legal education and train them on the job.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, some employers prefer or require candidates to have completed a paralegal certification program. Certification typically requires passage of an examination. To sit for the exam, candidates must meet eligibility requirements for educational attainment and work experience. Maintaining certification typically requires completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Paralegals and legal assistants must be able to effectively document and present their research and related information to attorneys.
Detail oriented. Paralegals and legal assistants need to be precise in gathering, organizing, and filing documents and other information related to a case.
Interpersonal skills. Paralegals and legal assistants spend most of their time with clients and colleagues. They must be able to develop relationships and work well as part of a team.
Organizational skills. Paralegals and legal assistants may be responsible for many cases at one time. They must be able to keep track of documents and adapt quickly to changing deadlines.
Research skills. Paralegals and legal assistants need to gather facts of a case and study relevant laws in order to help attorneys prepare for it.
Related occupations
How much do paralegals and legal assistants make?
The national median wage is $62,890 a year, with the middle half earning between $50,340 and $80,080 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is paralegals and legal assistants a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #441 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a paralegals and legal assistant?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do paralegals and legal assistants earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($89,750). Local pay for every state and metro is below.