How much does a paralegal make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical paralegal in the United States makes $62,890 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? The ABA approves paralegal education programs, but it does not certify individual paralegals.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,740 and $101,500How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($89,750), lowest in Mississippi ($46,180).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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