Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: Salary 2025, Career Outlook, and How to Become One
The median annual salary for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the United States is $55,570, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the typical range spanning from $36,500 at the 10th percentile to $91,730 at the 90th. The mean hourly wage works out to about $27. About 156,280 people hold this job nationwide.
How much Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn
The national median of $55,570 means half of workers earn more, half less. The bottom 10% earn around $36,500, while the top 10% bring in over $91,730. Note that these are BLS estimates from May 2023; actual pay depends on experience, location, and employer.
- Median annual: $55,570
- Mean annual: $60,620
- 10th percentile: $36,500
- 90th percentile: $91,730
- Mean hourly: $27
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying jurisdiction is the District of Columbia, where the annual mean salary hits $99,280. New York follows at $72,230, then Connecticut at $66,220, Delaware at $66,130, and Minnesota at $63,180.
At the lower end, Kentucky averages $39,300, Missouri $38,560, and Kansas $36,620. These differences often reflect local cost of living and demand.
How to become a Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant
Most legal secretaries and administrative assistants enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent, though many employers prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education in legal studies or office administration. An associate's degree in legal assisting or a related field can give you an edge.
On-the-job training is standard, usually lasting a few weeks to several months. Some legal secretaries pursue certification through organizations like NALS (National Association of Legal Secretaries) to demonstrate proficiency. Key skills include typing speed, knowledge of legal terminology, and familiarity with office software.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Consider an associate's degree in legal studies, paralegal studies, or office administration.
- Gain keyboarding and legal software skills.
- Apply for entry-level positions at law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.
- Optional: Obtain certification (e.g., Accredited Legal Professional from NALS) to advance.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants will shrink by 5.8% from 2024 to 2034, losing about 9,100 jobs over the decade. That's a decline rate of roughly -5.8%. Despite the contraction, about 19,600 openings per year are expected, mainly due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Automation and the increasing use of paralegals are driving the decline in demand for traditional legal secretarial roles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
The BLS reports the national median at $55,570 annually. The 10th percentile earns $36,500, and the 90th percentile earns $91,730.
Do Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants need a degree?
A high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, but an associate's degree in legal studies or a related field can improve job prospects. Some employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education.
Is the job outlook for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants good?
No, it is declining. The BLS projects a -5.8% change from 2024 to 2034, meaning about 9,100 fewer jobs. However, roughly 19,600 openings arise each year from worker turnover.
What are the best-paying states for this occupation?
The District of Columbia leads at $99,280, followed by New York ($72,230), Connecticut ($66,220), Delaware ($66,130), and Minnesota ($63,180).
How many Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants are employed nationwide?
The BLS counted 156,280 workers in this occupation as of May 2023.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants data.