Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 154,540 legal secretaries and administrative assistants, and they earn a median of $54,140/year. The range runs from $36K to $88K. District of Columbia pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level legal secretaries and administrative assistants start around $36K. The gap between that and the median ($54K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $88K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $101K | 2,040 |
| New York | $74K | 15,430 |
| Delaware | $64K | 970 |
| Maryland | $63K | 1,410 |
| Rhode Island | $62K | N/A |
| Connecticut | $61K | 1,140 |
| Massachusetts | $61K | 3,880 |
| California | $61K | 23,960 |
| Minnesota | $61K | 2,500 |
| New Jersey | $60K | 3,910 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal secretaries and administrative assistants make?▼
The median legal secretaries and administrative assistants salary in the United States is $54,140 per year ($26/hour). Entry-level positions start around $35,530, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,660.
What education do you need to become a legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for legal secretaries and administrative assistants.
What are the highest paying states for legal secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
The highest paying states for legal secretaries and administrative assistants are District of Columbia ($101,170), New York ($74,400), Delaware ($63,740), Maryland ($63,110), Rhode Island ($61,970). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.