Career comparison
Lawyer vs. Legal Secretary
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Lawyers earn more at the median ($159,670 vs. $55,570), while legal secretaries usually get to work faster (Several months on the job of training). Lawyers advise clients on the law and represent them in disputes and deals. Legal secretaries keep a law office running by managing documents, filings and calendars.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Lawyer | Legal Secretary | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $159,670 ($76.76/hr) | $55,570 ($26.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $78,360 – $351,600 | $36,500 – $91,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.7% (about as fast as average) | -5.2% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 28,700 | 18,100 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 7 years after high school | Several months on the job |
| Key credential | State bar admission | ALS |
| Work setting | Lawyers work in offices, courtrooms and client sites.. | Legal secretaries work in law firms, corporate legal departments and government offices.. |
What each job does
Lawyer
- Advise clients
- Research the law
- Draft contracts and documents
- Negotiate deals and settlements
- Represent clients in court
Legal Secretary
- Prepare legal documents
- E-file court papers
- Manage deadlines
- Schedule depositions and hearings
- Organize case files
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high responsibility and desk work. Both are part of the business & office field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose lawyer if…
- I like debate
- I read closely
- I write well
Choose legal secretary if…
- I’m very organized
- I type fast and accurately
- I keep things confidential
Still torn? Take the Lawyer fit quiz and the Legal Secretary fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, lawyer or legal secretary?
Lawyers earn more at the median: $159,670 versus $55,570 for legal secretaries, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Legal Secretaries typically train faster (Several months on the job) than lawyers (7 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects lawyers to grow +4.7% from 2025–35, compared with -5.2% for legal secretaries.