Lawyers vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Who Earns More?
Lawyers out-earn Paralegals and Legal Assistants by $97K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Lawyers land at $159,670 and Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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 Lawyers is New York ($207,860); for Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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, Lawyers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Lawyers earn more nationally. The median is $159,670 for Lawyers versus $62,890 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, a difference of $97K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Lawyers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Lawyers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.1% projected growth, compared to 0.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Lawyers get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Lawyers 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, Lawyers earn $207,860 vs. $68,410 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.