Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Salary
61,010
Job Outlook
0%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

78%

State and local government

10%

Self-employed

5%

Private not for profit

5%

Federal Government

3%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to decline 0 percent from 2024 to 2034. Despite declining employment, about 39,300 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$38,640

10%

$61,010

Median

$78,010

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    36%

  • Associate's degree

    20%

  • High school

    18%

  • Doctoral degree

    10%

  • Post baccalaureate

    9%

  • Some college

    2%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    2%


Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Legal Studies
  • Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low


What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Administrative
  • English Language
  • Law and Government
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low


What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

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