Lawyer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 17K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$127,710
$61.40/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $324K
17K employed in North Carolina
Discover the earning potential for legal professionals with our insights into Lawyer salary in North Carolina. The median annual salary stands at $127,710, reflecting a compensation landscape that is approximately 5% below the national average. This data is based on a significant employment base of around 17,000 legal workers across the state.
Several factors influence a Lawyer salary in North Carolina, including years of experience, specialization within the legal field, and the size and type of firm or organization. The broad salary range, from $61,610 to $323,720, highlights how these elements, combined with geographic location within the state and individual negotiation skills, contribute to overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,610 |
| 25th percentile | $82,220 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $127,710 |
| 75th percentile | $210,130 |
| 90th percentile | $323,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,080 |
| 2023 | $133,130 |
| 2024 | $124,880 |
| 2025 | $127,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,604 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,080 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $133,130 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $124,880 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $127,710 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,604 | $137,765 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,220 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $127,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $210,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $323,720 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Lawyer ($127,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | -55.0% | $27.64/hr |
| Title Examiner in NC | $50,500 | -60.5% | $24.28/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in NC | $127,320 | -0.3% | $61.21/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in NC | $128,370 | +0.5% | $61.72/hr |
| Actuary in NC | $128,730 | +0.8% | $61.89/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in NC | $128,990 | +1.0% | $62.01/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NC | $126,200 | -1.2% | $60.67/hr |
| Veterinarian in NC | $129,240 | +1.2% | $62.13/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NC | $129,360 | +1.3% | $62.19/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in NC | $126,040 | -1.3% | $60.60/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in NC | $125,940 | -1.4% | $60.55/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in NC | $131,540 | +3.0% | $63.24/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in North Carolina?
- The median salary for lawyers in North Carolina is $127,710 per year, which equates to about $61 per hour. This median figure is 5.2% lower than the national average for lawyers.
How much can a lawyer in North Carolina expect to earn annually?
- The salary range for lawyers in North Carolina is quite broad, with most earning between $61,610 and $323,720 annually. The median, or midpoint, salary falls at $127,710 per year.
Is the salary for lawyers in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Lawyers in North Carolina tend to earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries being 5.2% lower. This means the median salary of $127,710 in North Carolina compares to a higher national median.
What is the hourly wage for a lawyer in North Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $127,710, lawyers in North Carolina can expect to earn approximately $61 per hour. The full salary range in North Carolina is from $61,610 to $323,720 annually.