Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Paralegals and Legal Assistants to decrease by -0.3% between 2024 and 2034, from 404,900 to 403,800 jobs. Its estimate of 40,800 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($62,890), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
404,900
Projected employment (2034)
403,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
-0%
Annual openings (projected average)
40,800
Pay & Preparation
$62,890
Associate's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Writing (4/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.62/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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