What Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants this way: "Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials"; "Receive and place telephone calls"; "Schedule and make appointments"; "Make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter"; "Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 157,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 149,300 in 2035, a decrease of 8,300 jobs (-5.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 18,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $55,570, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $64,230 in California to $70,997 in New York, a gap of $6,768 (1.11 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $55,570 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 26,910, which is 50.5% of the 53,290 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 14,280.
Highest-paying states
New York ($70,997), New Jersey ($69,527) and California ($64,230) lead the ranking, while California ($64,230) and New Jersey ($69,527) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $27,988. The smallest margin is $12,131 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 40.2% and 57.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive and Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-6000) include .
Frequently asked questions about Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
How much do Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $55,570. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $64,230 to $70,997.
Which state pays Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $70,997. New Jersey is next at $69,527.
Is Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 5.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 18,100 openings a year.
What education do Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $27,988 on a median wage of $75,920.