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Law & Criminal Justice
Paralegal
About this Career
Assist lawyers by researching legal issues, preparing documents, and organizing files.
Pay
$39,710
Lower reported wage
$61,010
Median
$98,990
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
Make this your goal
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Create free account →Entry requirements
- Compare paralegal associate and certificate programs; some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.
- Develop legal research, document organization, writing, and case-management skills.
- Check employer expectations; some also consider prior office or legal experience.
Licenses, exams, and ongoing requirements
A paralegal credential is not a law license; paralegals work under lawyer supervision and may not practice law independently. [1]
Find the licensing agency for your work state
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
About license data coverageTraining pay & costs
Can I earn while training?
Ask whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary.
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Sources and review dates
- BLS — Paralegals and Legal Assistants · Reviewed
U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
About this data
BLS 'Paralegals and Legal Assistants' (23-2011). Median $61,010. Outlook -0.3%.
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