Career comparison
Administrative Assistant vs. Paralegal
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Paralegals earn more at the median ($62,890 vs. $47,540), while administrative assistants usually get to work faster (Weeks to months of training). Administrative assistants keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics. Paralegals research, draft and organize legal work that supports attorneys and their clients.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Administrative Assistant | Paralegal | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,540 ($22.86/hr) | $62,890 ($30.24/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,280 – $66,350 | $44,740 – $101,500 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -6.0% (a projected decline) | -0.3% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 163,900 | 40,800 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Associate's degree |
| Training time | Weeks to months | 6 months to 2 years |
| Key credential | CAP (IAAP) | Certified Paralegal (NALA CP) |
| Work setting | Administrative assistants work in offices across every industry: schools, hospitals, law firms, government, construction companies and corporations. | Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and nonprofits. |
What each job does
Administrative Assistant
- Manage calendars and schedule meetings
- Answer phones, emails and visitors professionally
- Prepare documents, presentations and spreadsheets
- Organize physical and digital files and records
- Coordinate travel, events and meeting logistics
Paralegal
- Conduct legal and factual research
- Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence and contracts for attorney review
- Organize and manage case files and discovery documents
- Track deadlines and maintain the case calendar
- Prepare exhibits, trial binders and closing documents
How they’re similar
Both careers involve desk work, indoor work, working with information, and remote-friendly work. Both are part of the business & office field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose administrative assistant if…
- I’m highly organized and detail-oriented
- I like helping a team run smoothly
- I’m comfortable with computers and software
Choose paralegal if…
- I like research and writing
- I’m extremely detail-oriented
- I’m interested in law but don’t want law school (yet)
Still torn? Take the Administrative Assistant fit quiz and the Paralegal fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, administrative assistant or paralegal?
Paralegals earn more at the median: $62,890 versus $47,540 for administrative assistants, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Administrative Assistants typically train faster (Weeks to months) than paralegals (6 months to 2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects paralegals to grow -0.3% from 2025–35, compared with -6.0% for administrative assistants.