How much does a legal secretary make?
a year · about $27 an hour
A typical legal secretary in the United States makes $55,570 a year, about $27 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They start by checking the calendar, answering calls and emails, and organizing case files. They prepare or proofread legal papers, send correspondence, and may take notes at a hearing or deposition.
Did you know? A U.S. legal secretary may attend a deposition—a formal question-and-answer session—and take notes, not just work at a desk.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $36,500 and $91,730How do you become one?
After high school, build office-software skills; legal-terms classes help, and employers train new hires. A degree is usually unnecessary; apprenticeships exist, and NALS offers an optional credential after three years in legal work.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, more experience can bring higher pay, and wages also differ by location and employer type, such as a law firm, government office, or company. Extra legal knowledge may help someone take on more specialized work.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($99,280), lowest in Kansas ($36,620).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36,500 | $55,570 | $91,730 | about 156,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $99,280 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $72,230 | about 10,000 |
| Connecticut | $66,220 | about 1,000 |
| Delaware | $66,130 | about 980 |
| Minnesota | $63,180 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/print/secretaries-and-administ
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-6012.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes436012.htm
- www.nals.org/page/pls
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY