Paralegal Salary in North Carolina
Based on 14K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$57,500
$27.64/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $84K
14K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Paralegal salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual income of $57,500. This figure falls within a broader salary range of $38,570 to $84,410, indicating significant variation across the state. Currently, the average Paralegal salary in North Carolina is approximately 7% below the national average, with around 13,650 individuals employed in this vital legal support role.
Several factors influence Paralegal salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a primary driver, with seasoned professionals earning more than entry-level staff. Geographic location within the state also plays a role, as larger metropolitan areas may offer higher compensation than rural regions. Furthermore, the specific type of law firm or legal department, such as corporate or plaintiff-side, can impact earning potential for these dedicated professionals.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,570 |
| 25th percentile | $47,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,500 |
| 75th percentile | $71,930 |
| 90th percentile | $84,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,340 |
| 2023 | $52,000 |
| 2024 | $49,390 |
| 2025 | $57,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,950 |
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 | $51,340 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $52,000 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $49,390 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $57,500 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,950 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $71,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,410 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Paralegal ($57,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in NC | $127,710 | +122.1% | $61.40/hr |
| Title Examiner in NC | $50,500 | -12.2% | $24.28/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | +0.2% | $27.71/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +0.3% | $27.72/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | -0.7% | $27.44/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | -1.2% | $27.31/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | +1.2% | $27.99/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | +1.7% | $28.10/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in NC | $58,710 | +2.1% | $28.23/hr |
| Police Officer in NC | $59,300 | +3.1% | $28.51/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in NC | $55,490 | -3.5% | $26.68/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NC | $54,930 | -4.5% | $26.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paralegal make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a paralegal in North Carolina is $57,500 per year, which averages out to $28 per hour. The salary range for paralegals in the state typically falls between $38,570 and $84,410 annually.
What is the average paralegal salary in North Carolina compared to the national average?
- Paralegals in North Carolina earn, on average, 7.4% less than the national average. This means that while the median salary in NC is $57,500 per year, the national median is likely higher.
What are the lowest and highest paralegal salaries in North Carolina?
- The salary range for paralegals in North Carolina is quite broad. The lowest reported salaries are around $38,570 per year, while the highest earners can make up to $84,410 annually.
How many paralegals are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 13,650 paralegals currently employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant job market for the profession within the state.