Paralegals and Legal Assistants
O*NET 23-2011.00 · SOC 23-2011
Paralegal is a risky career choice. Median pay is $63k a year with -0.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 40,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Research case law, statutes, and legal precedents
- →Draft legal documents and correspondence
- →Organize and manage case files and evidence
- →Assist attorneys with trial preparation
- →Coordinate client communications and scheduling
Education & How to Get In
Most Paralegal positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Paralegal? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Paralegal involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Paralegal?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Paralegal Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Paralegal make?
The median Paralegal earns $63k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Paralegal jobs?
Our model puts Paralegal at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Paralegal a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 40,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Paralegal?
Most Paralegal roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Paralegal?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Paralegal career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes