Average Lawyers Salary in Asheville, NC
Lawyers in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $163,920, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for legal services within the region and the overall economic landscape of Western North Carolina.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $163,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $245,880.
- Outlook: The legal job market in Asheville, NC, is characterized by a local workforce of approximately 600 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of lawyers is below the national average, suggesting a moderately less saturated market compared to other regions, though not indicating exceptionally high demand.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Asheville, NC earns-15.9%below the national average.
$78.8
$3,152
$13,660
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Asheville is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for lawyers across the United States, including in markets like Asheville, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized legal services, and evolving economic conditions.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for lawyers in Asheville, NC, typically follows a clear trajectory based on experience. Entry-level positions may start significantly lower than the average, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries well above the $163,920 average, with senior roles often reaching into the top percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $61,490 | $29.6 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $122,940 | $59.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $117,420 | $56.5 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $204,900 | $98.5 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $245,880 | $118.2 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$163,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$163,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $163,920 for lawyers in Asheville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Asheville lawyer's salary is equivalent to that of a lawyer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
3.184
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 0.66x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.66, Asheville, NC, has a lower concentration of lawyers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as densely populated as in many other areas, potentially offering unique opportunities for legal professionals who establish themselves in the local market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Lawyers Salary | $140,780↓ 14% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Lawyers Salary | $130,190↓ 21% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Lawyers Salary | $140,870↓ 14% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Lawyers Salary | $124,370↓ 24% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Lawyers Salary | $135,370↓ 17% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Asheville, NC is $163,920. This typically ranges from $61,490 for entry-level positions to $245,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 15.9% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Lawyers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $163,920 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $194,940, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($140,780) and Johnson City, TN.
What is the average salary for a Lawyer in Asheville, NC?
The average annual salary for Lawyers in Asheville, NC, is $163,920.
How does Asheville's cost of living compare to the national average?
Asheville, NC, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
Is the legal job market in Asheville competitive?
The legal job market in Asheville has a lower concentration of lawyers (LQ of 0.66) than the national average, suggesting it may be less competitive than highly saturated markets.
How many lawyers are there in Asheville, NC?
There are approximately 600 lawyers working in Asheville, NC, representing 3.184 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 3.184 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC