How much does a paralegal make?
Answer: A typical paralegal in the United States makes $62,890 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 393,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Paralegal pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,740 | $62,890 | $101,500 | about 393,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $89,750 | about 6,000 |
| Washington | $79,400 | about 9,000 |
| Colorado | $78,190 | about 6,000 |
| Massachusetts | $77,640 | about 8,000 |
| California | $77,390 | about 47,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, education or certification, employer type, and location. More complex duties and legal specialty can matter, too; working more hours can change yearly pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a paralegal do?
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. Excludes “Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants” (43-6012).
What's a typical day like?
A paralegal might search laws and case records, then draft a letter or organize evidence for a lawyer. They may call a client, file papers with a court, or prepare exhibits for a hearing.
How to get this job
In the U.S., many start after high school with an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies; some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree. No national certification exam is required, though some employers prefer certification.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.
Did you know?
The ABA approves paralegal education programs, but it does not certify individual paralegals.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Legal jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/23-2011.00
- www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/profession-information/educational-informa
- nala.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NALA_2020_Utilization_and_Compensation_Surve
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY