Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary 2025: $62,890 Median, Career Path & Outlook
Paralegals and Legal Assistants earned a national median salary of $62,890 in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $30 per hour. The typical range runs from $44,740 at the 10th percentile to $101,500 at the 90th. With nearly 393,000 people employed in the occupation and about 39,300 openings each year, it's a stable field—but growth is nearly flat.
How much Paralegals and Legal Assistants earn
The median annual wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $62,890. That means half earn more and half earn less. The top 10% make over $101,500, while the bottom 10% earn below $44,740. The mean annual wage is $69,700, pulled up by higher earners in large law firms and corporate legal departments.
Pay varies significantly by industry. Paralegals working for the federal government tend to earn the most, while those in small private practices or state/local government earn closer to the median.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia, where paralegals average $89,750. Washington follows at $79,400, then Colorado at $78,190, Massachusetts at $77,640, and California at $77,390.
At the lower end, Arkansas pays $47,420, Alabama $47,260, and Mississippi $46,180. That's almost half of what D.C. paralegals earn, reflecting differences in cost of living and legal market density.
How to become a Paralegals and Legal Assistant
The most common path is earning an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in any field plus a certificate in paralegal studies. Many community colleges and universities offer ABA-approved programs, though ABA approval isn't required for employment.
Some paralegals enter with on-the-job training, especially if they have prior legal experience as a legal secretary. Certification is voluntary but can boost hiring prospects. The two main national certifications are the Certified Paralegal (CP) from NALA and the PACE credential from NFPA.
A high school diploma alone is rarely sufficient; most employers require at least a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. The occupation has no state licensing requirements, but some states have specific educational standards for paralegals working under attorney supervision.
- Earn an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's plus certificate.
- Consider ABA-approved programs for quality assurance, but not mandatory.
- Gain optional certification: CP (NALA) or PACE (NFPA).
- Build skills in legal research, writing, document management, and software like Westlaw or Clio.
Job outlook
Employment of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is projected to grow only 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, much slower than the average for all occupations. That means virtually no expansion in the number of jobs over the decade. However, the BLS estimates about 39,300 openings each year due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
Competition will be strong, especially for positions at top law firms. Those with specialized knowledge in high-demand areas like intellectual property, healthcare law, or corporate compliance may have an edge. Automation and AI are also beginning to affect routine document review tasks, so staying current with technology is important.
Frequently asked questions
Do paralegals make good money?
The median salary is $62,890, which is above the national median for all occupations. Top earners can exceed $100,000, especially in high-paying states or specialized fields.
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
An associate degree typically takes two years. A bachelor's plus certificate can take four years plus a few months. Some certificate programs take as little as six months.
Is paralegal a growing career?
Job growth is very slow at 0.2% over the next decade, but about 39,300 openings per year arise from turnover. The field is stable but competitive.
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants data.