What is the average hourly wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

The median hourly wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $28.46 per hour. This translates to approximately $59,200 per year working full-time.

What states pay Paralegals and Legal Assistants the most?

Salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a paralegals and legal assistant?

Typical education required: Doctoral or professional degree.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary

Name: Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$59,200

$28.46 / hour

▲ 8% (Faster than average)

Salary Range

$31,376 - $101,824

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

339,700

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary by Percentile

$31,376 $101,824

10th pct Median: $59,200 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$31,376	$15.08
25th Percentile	$42,624	$20.49
50th (Median)	$59,200	$28.46
75th Percentile	$81,696	$39.28
90th (Top Earners)	$101,824	$48.95
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$78,144	$37.57
2	California (CA)	$74,000	$35.58
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$72,224	$34.72
4	New York (NY)	$72,224	$34.72
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$71,040	$34.15
6	Connecticut (CT)	$69,856	$33.58
7	Maryland (MD)	$69,856	$33.58
8	Hawaii (HI)	$68,080	$32.73
9	Alaska (AK)	$66,304	$31.88
10	Washington (WA)	$66,304	$31.88
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Job Outlook for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Projected Growth

+8%

2022-2032

▲ 8% (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings

91,600

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make?

The median annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $59,200 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $31,376, while the top 10% earn $101,824 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

Paralegals and Legal Assistants earn a median hourly wage of $28.46 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $59,200 annually.

Is Paralegals and Legal Assistants a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $59,200, Paralegals and Legal Assistants represents a viable career path. Job outlook: Faster than average (8% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Paralegals and Legal Assistants need?

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.