Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may consider candidates who have a high school diploma and experience. PayThe median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks, such as maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
Work Environment
Paralegals and legal assistants typically work in offices for a variety of employers, including law firms and government agencies. Most work full time.
How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may consider candidates who have a high school diploma and experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 40,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Paralegals and legal assistants typically work in offices for a variety of employers, including law firms and government agencies. Most work full time.
How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may consider candidates who have a high school diploma and experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 40,800 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for paralegals and legal assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of paralegals and legal assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.