In 2006 there were 275,000 legl secretaries in the workforce. By 2016 the projection is for 308,000, a 12% growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes job prospects as follows: In addition to jobs created from growth, numerous job opportunities will arise from the need to replace secretaries and administrative assistants who transfer to other occupations, especially exceptionally skilled executive secretaries and administrative assistants who often move into professional occupations. Job opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of software applications and for experienced secretaries and administrative assistants. Opportunities also should be very good for those with advanced communication and computer skills.

Wage Information

The latest available information on Legal Secretaries/Legal Secretaries is 2006 data from the U.S. Department of Labor. In May 2006 median annual earnings of legal secretaries were $38,190. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,650 and $48,520. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,770. Medical secretaries earned a median annual salary of $28,090 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,250 and $34,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40,870.

Salaries vary a great deal, however, reflecting differences in skill, experience, and level of responsibility. Certification in this field may be rewarded by a higher salary.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos151.htm (visited May 15, 2008).

In addition to competitive salaries, law firms are often known for their excellent benefits packages, often approaching 40%.