Paralegals and Legal Assistants Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for paralegals and legal assistants in the United States was $30.24, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $21.51 |
| 25th | $24.20 |
| Median | $30.24 |
| 75th | $38.50 |
| 90th | $48.80 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals and legal assistants make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $30.24; the mean hourly wage is $33.51.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for paralegals and legal assistants?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $21.51 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for paralegals and legal assistants?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $48.80 per hour.