What does a paralegal do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by keeping files, researching law, and drafting documents. Most enter with an associate's degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, and certification is optional. BLS projects little or no employment change from 2025 to 2035.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 23-2011.00 (Paralegals and Legal Assistants) |
| Typical entry-level education | Associate's degree |
| Licensing | None required; certification is optional |
| Median annual wage | $62,890 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 0 percent, 2025 to 2035 (little or no change) |
| Number of jobs | 404,900 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 40,800 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a paralegal do?
Based on the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), paralegals gather case facts, research relevant laws, organize legal documents, obtain affidavits, help with trials, file materials with courts or agencies, and schedule interviews and depositions. Duties vary by practice area and firm size. In small firms a paralegal may handle all phases of a case. In larger firms they often focus on one phase.
Paralegals support lawyers and do not replace them. The specifics of what a paralegal may do are set by state rules and the supervising attorney.
Work environment
Legal services employ 75 percent of paralegals. Local government (5 percent), the federal government (4 percent), state government (3 percent) and finance and insurance (3 percent) follow, all excluding the categories BLS lists as separate. The work is mostly in offices, with occasional travel to depositions or trials. It can be stressful, fast paced and deadline driven, often with several projects at once. Most work full time.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: An associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies is the typical path. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, often in social science or business. Others hire people with a high school diploma and experience, and some train candidates with no legal background on the job.
- Certification: Optional, but some employers prefer it. It typically requires passing an exam and meeting education and experience requirements, and maintaining it requires continuing education.
Skills that matter
The OOH lists communication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, organizational skills and research skills. O*NET lists writing, active listening, reading comprehension, speaking and critical thinking as essential skills.
How much do paralegals make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,890 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,740 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,500. By employer, the May 2025 median was $81,470 for the federal government (excluding the postal service), $80,120 in finance and insurance, and $61,770 in legal services. See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for local data. Our how to research pay guide shows how to use them.
Job outlook
BLS projects 0 percent change in employment from 2025 to 2035 (little or no change). Even so, about 40,800 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, mostly from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
How to get hired
- Pick a setting. Law firms employ most paralegals, but government and finance and insurance employers also hire.
- Show research and writing. Describe the kinds of documents you have drafted or organized, without client details. If you are new to the field, our no experience resume guide helps.
- Match the posting. Mirror the practice area and tools named. See the ATS resume guide.
- Consider certification. The OOH says some employers prefer it.
- Use your network. Alumni, program instructors and local legal groups are common routes. See networking for job search, then search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Lawyers; claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators; secretaries and administrative assistants; arbitrators, mediators and conciliators.
Frequently asked questions
Do paralegals need a degree? Typically an associate's degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree and others hire with a high school diploma and experience.
Is paralegal certification required? No. It is optional, though some employers prefer it.
Are paralegal jobs growing? BLS projects little or no change from 2025 to 2035, but about 40,800 openings a year from turnover.
Can a paralegal give legal advice? Paralegals support lawyers. Rules on what they may do vary by state, so confirm locally.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.