Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
SOC: 23-2011 O*NET: 23-2011.00
Median Salary
$62,890
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.3%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
40.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
What does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,740
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,340
25th percentile
Median
$62,890
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,080
75th percentile
Top Earners
$101,500
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,740
25th
$50,340
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,890
Mean: $69,700
75th
$80,080
90th
$101,500
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $56,760 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,340 and $80,080
- •Salary spread is 47.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 392,880 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:404,900
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services79%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services79%
Legal Services77.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.3%
Annual Openings:40,800
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)404,900
Current
2035 (Projected)403,800
-0.3%
-1,100
Employment Change
-0.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
47,130 jobs$77,3901.02x
Florida
40,950 jobs$61,0001.63x
New York
34,220 jobs$68,4101.40x
Texas
29,540 jobs$62,3100.83x
Pennsylvania
14,670 jobs$63,3700.96x
Georgia
14,160 jobs$62,4001.15x
Illinois
14,130 jobs$63,6700.92x
North Carolina
13,650 jobs$57,5001.09x
New Jersey
12,010 jobs$71,5001.11x
Virginia
10,250 jobs$63,9900.99x
Washington
9,460 jobs$79,4001.05x
Ohio
9,270 jobs$60,4200.66x
Arizona
7,890 jobs$61,6300.96x
Massachusetts
7,800 jobs$77,6400.85x
Michigan
7,730 jobs$62,1700.69x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Writing
100%
#2
Law and Government
100%
#3
Written Comprehension
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
English Language
88%
#7
Reading Comprehension
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Speaking
80%
#10
Administrative
76%
Skills Overview
Writing
advanced5.0
100%
Law and Government
advanced5.0
100%
Written Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
intermediate4.4
88%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Writing
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Law and Government
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administrative
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Written Expression
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Physician Assistants100%
5 shared skills
Child, Family, and School Social Workers100%
5 shared skills
Dietitians and Nutritionists100%
5 shared skills
Emergency Medicine Physicians100%
5 shared skills
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants100%
5 shared skills
School Psychologists100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Law and Government
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Computers and Electronics
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Law and Government
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Law and Government
- ★English Language
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Workspace software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechZoom
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Docs
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Google Workspace software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Zoom
Google Docs
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)General Responsibilities (5)Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)
1
Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Call upon witnesses to testify at hearings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination94% perform96%
4
Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
File pleadings with court clerks.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Paralegals and Legal Assistants
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals typically have a CIE Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
IInvestigative
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.75
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.75
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.71
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.32
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.31
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.29
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Initiative
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Analytical Thinking
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 29 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (8) , TX (4) , CA (3) , IL (2) , PA (2)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
317 program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
309 program completions/year
Center for Advanced Legal Studies
Houston, TX
212 program completions/year
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
174 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
128 program completions/year
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
108 program completions/year
Downey Adult School
Downey, CA
94 program completions/year
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, CA
89 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
87 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
87 program completions/year
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA
83 program completions/year
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV
78 program completions/year