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Paralegal

Do the research, drafting, and case preparation that lawyers build on.

What it pays in the U.S.

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.

Median pay (national)$62,890about $30.24 an hour
Typical range$44,740 – $101,500lowest to highest tenth of earners
Usual way inAssociate's degree

Wage figures are 2025 survey data for United States, shown nationally because no state figure was reported. They describe what people in this job earn now, not what any one person will be offered.

Demand in United States

Employment is projected to change 0% between 2024 and 2034. About 39,300 openings are projected each year.

What the work actually is

  • Arbitrate disputes between parties and assist in the real estate closing process, such as by reviewing title searches.
  • Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.
  • Keep and monitor legal volumes to ensure that the law library is up-to-date.
  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
  • Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
  • Appraise and inventory real and personal property for estate planning.

Read the full Occupational Outlook Handbook entry from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Licensing, by state

Licensing is set by each state, so there is no national answer. Choose a state above to see which licenses it requires for this career, or look one up with the CareerOneStop License Finder.

Certifications employers recognize

These are national certifications, issued by industry bodies rather than a state. Most are optional, but they are how you prove skill to an employer.

Apprenticeships, by state

Registered apprenticeships pay you while you train. Each state runs its own registration office, which is where to start when you want to find an open program.

Choose a state above to see the offices that register apprenticeships there.

Search open programs directly at apprenticeship.gov.

Now find the schools.

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