What Paralegals and Legal Assistants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Paralegals and Legal Assistants this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents"; "Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system"; "Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits"; "Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases"; "Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree.
Job outlook for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 404,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 403,800 in 2035, a decrease of 1,100 jobs (-0.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 40,800 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 10.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,890, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Paralegals and Legal Assistants earn the most
Across the 14 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $60,325 in Florida to $81,590 in District of Columbia, a gap of $21,265 (1.35 times). 11 of those 14 states average above the BLS national median of $62,890 and 3 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 46,630, which is 13.0% of the 358,580 counted across them. California follows with 46,250.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($81,590), West Virginia ($78,593) and California ($77,629) lead the ranking, while Florida ($60,325) and Texas ($60,375) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: pay against the cost of living
We compare 16 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 Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $43,180. The smallest margin is $17,122 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 16 of the 16 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 20.1% and 56.5% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Paralegals and Legal Assistants
What is the national median wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,890. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $60,325 to $81,590.
Which state pays Paralegals and Legal Assistants the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $81,590. West Virginia is next at $78,593.
What is the job outlook for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 40,800 openings a year.
What education do Paralegals and Legal Assistants need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Paralegals and Legal Assistants afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $43,180 on a median wage of $81,590.