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Job outlook for assistant prosecuting attorneys in the United States
Assistant prosecuting attorney job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected assistant prosecuting attorney job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for assistant prosecuting attorneys are projected over the next decade.
Assistant prosecuting attorney salaries have increased 7% for assistant prosecuting attorneys in the last 5 years.
There are over 31,895 assistant prosecuting attorneys currently employed in the United States.
There are 6,133 active assistant prosecuting attorney job openings in the US.
The average assistant prosecuting attorney salary is $85,469.
Are assistant prosecuting attorney jobs in demand?
Assistant prosecuting attorney job and salary trends over time
Assistant prosecuting attorney jobs over time
Assistant prosecuting attorney job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 31,895 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 30,823 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 30,779 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 30,103 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,430 | 0.01% |
Average assistant prosecuting attorney salary over time
Assistant prosecuting attorney salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,469 | $41.09 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $82,795 | $39.81 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $81,415 | $39.14 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $80,297 | $38.60 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $79,563 | $38.25 | +2.0% |
Assistant prosecuting attorney jobs by state
Most common states for assistant prosecuting attorneys
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 134 | 19% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 23 | 4% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 19 | 2% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 315 | 1% |
| 5 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 263 | 1% |
| 6 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 178 | 1% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 166 | 1% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 113 | 1% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 85 | 1% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 78 | 1% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 62 | 1% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 53 | 1% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 52 | 1% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 46 | 1% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 44 | 1% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 36 | 1% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 30 | 1% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 14 | 1% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 6 | 1% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 5 | 1% |
Most common cities for assistant prosecuting attorneys
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland | 5 | 1% | $66,403 |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $75,236 |
| 3 | Salt Lake City | 1 | 1% | $75,603 |
| 4 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $75,186 |
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of assistant prosecuting attorney experts
University of North Dakota
Rollins College
University of Cincinnati
Lewis and Clark School of Law
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney?
Kimberly Dasse: The concept of a legal career encompasses a wide array of roles, extending beyond the traditional associate-partner trajectory. I therefore recommend that law students plan early. While still in school, seek out internships or externships that afford opportunities to explore diverse roles, such as placements at non-profits, district attorney’s offices, public defender’s offices, and law firms. This type of exposure will help students to determine what roles align best with their personal circumstances, identity, and aspirations. Once a course is set, pursue that path with determination. As practitioners, they should strive to excel by applying their academic knowledge and life experiences to their work. Pose thoughtful questions that reflect genuine engagement and consideration for the work. Cultivate mentoring relationships with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance in navigating legal practice and office dynamics. The above steps are particularly important for first-generation professionals. As new entrants to the profession, one may not have a built-in or pre-existing network, so building connections early in law school can yield significant benefits later when transitioning into the profession.
What Assistant Prosecuting Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Dasse: By taking the steps I have outlined above, new entrants will set themselves up for success by finding the right roles for themselves and developing valued skills.
What will help Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Dasse: Lawyers must adeptly navigate a diverse array of roles, ranging from advisors to counselors to planners, writers, researchers, supervisors, and more. Aside from producing quality legal work, reflect on your other strengths and dedicate time to developing yourself further. A skilled lawyer who is also an excellent manager of people offers a unique set of skills that may appeal to upper legal management in your organization. As the legal landscape evolves, I believe two key skills will emerge: technology and teamwork. The integration of AI into legal services is reshaping the profession with more innovation on the horizon. For our clients, blockchain technology, data analytics, and digitized workplaces are becoming standard. Thus, technology will become more embedded into an array of fields, not just “techie” industries. Those who follow and understand technological developments will engage the worlds our clients live in, enhance their own efficiency within their firms and deliver cost-effective services. Consequently, I urge new entrants to deepen their technological understanding and remain abreast of advancements. Additionally, collaboration lies at the heart of legal work, but its dynamics are transforming. While a solid grasp of technology is pivotal for future legal careers, honing interpersonal skills is equally vital. The future legal team may encompass a wide range of professionals in virtual settings. Thus, lawyers with high emotional intelligence who are adept at motivating individuals, building teams, and integrating the work of diverse professionals will become a valued skill. Accordingly, as lawyers consider ways to develop their skills, they should consider refining their skills as managers, supervisors, or coaches.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Find a mentor and be involved with your local legal associations. Porter Gale said, “your network is your net worth.” And, I couldn’t agree more! As a new paralegal, legal operations specialist, or attorney, growing your network helps in all aspects of your career. You will gain new skills, increase your business development ability, engage in meaningful volunteering opportunities, and truly find an area of law you want to specialize in.
What Assistant Prosecuting Attorney skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: GenAI! Which means highlights the importance of skills like organization, communication, and consensus building. The legal field has historically been technology hesitant, but the pandemic and AI have forced the use and adaptation of technology. AI’s exponential growth will require new skills at a lightning fast pace. A bellwether in the legal field is eDiscovery as it requires the ability to organize massive amounts of information as well as clearly and concisely communicate the information. AI is helping paralegals and attorneys do just this! Finally, in a world that often hides behind screens, having the ability to build consensus and connect with others will be invaluable.
What will help Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys increase their earning potential?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Do your research and clearly communicate your ask with supporting evidence. A simple internet search will provide you actual salary ranges. An applicant then needs to take this information and explain why X is the amount based on individual specifics. Also, never negotiated against yourself—meaning sometimes you need to be silent and wait.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What hard/technical skills are most important for Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: Good writing will always be crucial. There are all types of audiences, of course, so you need to adjust accordingly. But even as technology changes, good writing will remain a valuable asset.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What skills stand out on Assistant Prosecuting Attorney resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
How have salaries changed over time for Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys?
Joel Silverman: Absolutely. Salaries have gone up by 50%, since I started, 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the cost of education has gone up faster than the increase in salaries. With that said, an attorney truly has a sky's the limit to their salary. If an attorney can understand the business of the practice of law, then that attorney has a leg up on all other competition. The business of the practice will also change, based upon the firm you are working in, at the time. However, the end result is that the better you understand the business (which isn't taught in law school), then the more you will make within the practice.