Legal Support Workers, All Other Salary 2025: $72,110 Median
The median salary for Legal Support Workers, All Other hit $72,110 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's roughly $35 an hour, with the top 10% earning $179,960 or more. This broad category covers paralegals, legal assistants, and other support roles not separately classified—think discovery coordinators, litigation support specialists, and compliance clerks.
How much Legal Support Workers, All Other earn
The mean annual wage is $89,660, per the BLS OEWS survey. A typical range spans from $43,800 at the 10th percentile to $179,960 at the 90th percentile. Those in the middle half earn between roughly $54,000 and $114,000.
- Median: $72,110
- Mean: $89,660
- 10th percentile: $43,800
- 90th percentile: $179,960
Pay by state
Where you work matters. Virginia pays the most with a mean of $179,960—over double the national average. The District of Columbia ($88,480), Kansas ($88,210), New Jersey ($88,210), and Minnesota ($86,940) round out the top five. At the low end, Louisiana pays $51,230 on average, Arkansas $44,670, and Iowa $44,470. Keep in mind these are means; median figures by state are not published for this occupation.
How to become a Legal Support Workers, All Other
Most workers in this group have an associate's or bachelor's degree, often in paralegal studies, legal science, or a related field. Some roles require a certificate from an ABA-approved program. On-the-job training is common, especially for litigation support or e-discovery specialists. Licensing is rare at the national level, but some states regulate paralegals.
- Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field.
- Complete an ABA-approved certificate program if you already hold a degree in another subject.
- Gain experience in a law firm or corporate legal department—entry-level titles often include 'legal assistant' or 'document clerk'.
- Consider voluntary certifications: NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) or NFPA’s PACE Registered Paralegal can boost your resume.
- Check your state’s requirements; a few states require registration or licensure for paralegals.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline by 1.2% from 2024 to 2034, per the BLS. That's a loss of about 560 jobs. However, roughly 4,700 openings will arise each year from workers retiring or leaving the field. Competition will be strong, and candidates with certifications or experience in e-discovery and legal technology will have the best chances.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Legal Support Worker, All Other do?
They perform legal support tasks not classified elsewhere—like managing electronic discovery, coordinating document production, assisting with trial preparation, and ensuring compliance with court rules. Some specialize in litigation support, intellectual property, or corporate governance.
Is the salary of $72,110 accurate for 2025?
That figure is the latest BLS median wage from May 2024. While 2025 data won't be released until mid-2026, this is the best current benchmark. Adjust for inflation and local cost of living.
What education is required for this career?
Most employers require at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a certificate from an ABA-approved program. A bachelor's degree is common for higher-paying roles. No national license is needed, but some states regulate the title 'paralegal'.
Which state pays the most?
Virginia has the highest mean wage at $179,960, driven by federal government and defense contractor legal work. Other top states: D.C., Kansas, New Jersey, and Minnesota.
Is the job market declining?
Yes, the BLS projects a 1.2% decline over the next decade, with about 4,700 job openings per year. Automation and software are reducing demand for some tasks, but roles requiring advanced skills like e-discovery remain stable.
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 Support Workers, All Other data.