Lawyers vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Who Earns More?
Lawyerss out-earn Paralegals and Legal Assistantss by $97K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Lawyerss land at $159,670 and Paralegals and Legal Assistantss at $62,890. The education gap is real: lawyer programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while paralegals and legal assistant programs require associate's degree. Top-paying state for Lawyerss is New York ($207,860); for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss it's District of Columbia ($89,750).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Lawyers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Lawyerss or Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Lawyerss earn more nationally. The median is $159,670 for Lawyerss versus $62,890 for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss, a difference of $97K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Lawyers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Lawyers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Lawyers 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 Lawyerss get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Lawyerss at $207,860/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Lawyers vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Lawyerss earn $207,860 vs. $68,410 for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.