Average Lawyers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Lawyers in Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina, earn an average annual salary of $149,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $194,940, suggesting that while the legal profession is present, local market dynamics and demand may influence compensation levels compared to larger or more saturated legal hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $149,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $224,580.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary legal market supports a substantial workforce of 4,340 lawyers. With a Location Quotient of 1.24, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average, this region demonstrates a robust demand for legal services, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for legal professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-23.2%below the national average.
$72
$2,879
$12,477
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Raleigh-Cary have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing demand for specialized legal expertise in a growing metropolitan area.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for lawyers in Raleigh-Cary typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can expect to earn substantially more, with higher percentiles reflecting senior roles and greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $63,640 | $30.6 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $112,290 | $54 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $128,130 | $61.6 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $187,150 | $90 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $224,580 | $108 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$149,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$149,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $149,720 in Raleigh-Cary aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
4,340
Total Jobs
5.995
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Lawyers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.24 signifies that Raleigh-Cary has a slightly higher concentration of lawyers relative to its general population compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where legal talent is valued and in demand, though perhaps not as saturated as areas with much higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Lawyers Salary | $152,990↑ 2% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Lawyers Salary | $129,770↓ 13% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Lawyers Salary | $123,390↓ 18% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Lawyers Salary | $135,490↓ 10% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Lawyers Salary | $114,040↓ 24% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $149,720. This typically ranges from $63,640 for entry-level positions to $224,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 23.2% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Lawyers?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $149,720 is competitive, especially given the national average cost of living. However, it trails the national average salary for lawyers, indicating potential for higher earnings elsewhere but strong local demand.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($152,990) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the Raleigh-Cary lawyer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for lawyers in Raleigh-Cary is $149,720, which is lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Raleigh-Cary compared to the rest of the US?
Raleigh-Cary has a Location Quotient of 1.24 for lawyers, indicating a slightly higher concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary affect a lawyer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, a lawyer's salary of $149,720 in Raleigh-Cary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the total number of lawyers employed in the Raleigh-Cary area?
There are approximately 4,340 lawyers employed in the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,340 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 5.995 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC