Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 367,220 paralegals and legal assistants, and they earn a median of $61,010/year. The range runs from $40K to $99K. District of Columbia pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants start around $40K. The gap between that and the median ($61K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $99K, 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 | $99K | 5,880 |
| Washington | $78K | 9,070 |
| Massachusetts | $75K | 7,520 |
| California | $73K | 45,740 |
| Minnesota | $67K | 6,640 |
| New York | $66K | 28,510 |
| Oregon | $64K | 4,910 |
| Maryland | $64K | 5,770 |
| Connecticut | $63K | 4,920 |
| Vermont | $63K | 730 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paralegals and legal assistants make?▼
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in the United States is $61,010 per year ($29/hour). Entry-level positions start around $39,710, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,990.
What education do you need to become a paralegals and legal 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 paralegals and legal assistants?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for paralegals and legal assistants.
What are the highest paying states for paralegals and legal assistants?▼
The highest paying states for paralegals and legal assistants are District of Columbia ($99,300), Washington ($78,010), Massachusetts ($74,990), California ($72,960), Minnesota ($67,320). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.