Paralegals and Legal Assistants vs Lawyers salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Paralegals and Legal Assistants have an average annual salary of $58,330, whereas Lawyers earn an average of $148,030 annually. This indicates that Lawyers earn significantly more than Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. In particular, Paralegals and Legal Assistants working in Washington DC (with a wage of $83,420 on average) may have higher salaries than those in Arkansas ($41,780). To provide another instance, Lawyers in Washington DC have an average pay that is 115% higher compared to those in Wyoming.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants vs Lawyers overview

Paralegals and Legal Assistants and Lawyers are two important roles in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these jobs, including the average salary for each of them.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants job description

Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants education and experience

Most Paralegals and Legal Assistants (50%) have an Associate's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Bachelor's Degree (34%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (7%). In terms of experience, about a quarter of Paralegals and Legal Assistants occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (20%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Paralegals and Legal Assistants employed in the United States was 336,250, and they earned an average of $58,330 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $36,410 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $88,640 or more. The average salary has an increase of 3% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make good money?

The mean salary of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is comparable to the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, it is comparable to the mean salary of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

The mean salary of Paralegals and Legal Assistants is comparable to the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Paralegals and Legal Assistants job growth

The employment rate for Paralegals and Legal Assistants has grown in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 3,530 more job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 1.1%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 2.8%.

Lawyer job description

Alternative names: Attorneys

Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Lawyer education and experience

Most Lawyers (68%) have a First Professional Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Doctoral Degree (31%). When it comes to experience, over half Lawyer occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller portion of roles (15%) do not require any previous experience.

Lawyer average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 681,010 Lawyers were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $148,030. The lowest earning 10 percent made $61,400 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $208,000 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has decreased by 0.6%.

Do Lawyers make good money?

Lawyers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 154% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 62% more than the mean salary of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Lawyers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 154% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Lawyers job growth

There has been an increase in the employment of Lawyers in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 22,890 more job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 3.5%. Job growth has averaged 2% over the past 3 years.

FAQ

Do Paralegals and Legal Assistants or Lawyers make more?

Lawyers make 154% more than Paralegals and Legal Assistants. The average annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is $58,330, while Lawyers earn $148,030 per year.

How long does it take to become Paralegals and Legal Assistants vs Lawyer?

Paralegals and Legal Assistants typically need an Associate's Degree. It usually takes around 2 years to complete an Associate's Degree. While on the other hand, Lawyers typically need a First Professional Degree. It usually takes between 3 years and 4 years to complete a First Professional Degree. However, if we consider that a Bachelor's Degree is required beforehand, it might take around 8 years to complete the full education.

Is it harder to become Paralegals and Legal Assistants vs Lawyer?

Lawyers need to complete 6 more years of education than Paralegals and Legal Assistants.