Judicial Law Clerks vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Who Earns More?
Judicial Law Clerks out-earn Paralegals and Legal Assistants by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Judicial Law Clerks land at $64,920 and Paralegals and Legal Assistants at $62,890. The education gap is real: judicial law clerk programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while paralegals and legal assistant programs require associate's degree. Top-paying state for Judicial Law Clerks is Massachusetts ($143,350); for Paralegals and Legal Assistants it's District of Columbia ($89,750).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Judicial Law Clerks median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Judicial Law Clerks or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Judicial Law Clerks earn more nationally. The median is $64,920 for Judicial Law Clerks versus $62,890 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Judicial Law Clerks or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Judicial Law Clerks has the better 10-year outlook at 2.5% projected growth, compared to 0.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Judicial Law Clerks or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Judicial Law Clerks typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Paralegals and Legal Assistants requires associate's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Judicial Law Clerks get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Judicial Law Clerks at $143,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Judicial Law Clerks vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Judicial Law Clerks earn $143,350 vs. $77,640 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.