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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderLaw, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Salary
60,970
Job Outlook
+17%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

78%

State and local government

10%

Self-employed

5%

Private not for profit

5%

Federal Government

3%

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What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$35,980

10%

$60,970

Median

$95,480

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    36%

  • Associate's degree

    20%

  • High school

    18%

  • Doctoral degree

    10%

  • Post baccalaureate

    9%

  • Some college

    2%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Legal Studies
  • Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Administrative
  • English Language
  • Law and Government
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

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Median Salary

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Workforce Count

9,810
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