Average Lawyers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Lawyers in Wilmington, North Carolina, earn an average annual salary of $125,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $194,940, indicating that local market dynamics, such as demand and the concentration of legal services, play a significant role in compensation within this coastal city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,000.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 570 lawyers, Wilmington presents a moderately sized legal job market. The location quotient of 0.63 suggests that the concentration of lawyers is somewhat lower than the national average, implying a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand for legal professionals compared to national hubs.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Wilmington, NC earns-35.5%below the national average.
$60.4
$2,418
$10,477
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Wilmington, NC, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing complexity of legal practice. This growth likely reflects a combination of inflation, evolving legal needs within the community, and the general upward pressure on professional salaries.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The career trajectory for lawyers in Wilmington, NC, typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as legal professionals gain expertise, build their client base, and specialize, their earning potential escalates considerably, with senior roles commanding substantially higher compensation, reflecting the value of accumulated knowledge and proven success.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $60,080 | $28.9 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $94,290 | $45.3 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $98,460 | $47.3 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $157,150 | $75.6 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $218,000 | $104.8 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$125,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $125,720 for lawyers in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the local cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher-than-average living expenses.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
3.046
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.63x 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.
A location quotient of 0.63 for lawyers in Wilmington, NC, indicates that the profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of legal professionals, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled lawyers, but also signaling a demand that is not exceptionally high compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Lawyers Salary | $129,950↑ 3% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Lawyers Salary | $116,240↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Lawyers Salary | $123,390↓ 2% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Lawyers Salary | $114,040↓ 9% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Lawyers Salary | $138,250↑ 10% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Wilmington, NC is $125,720. This typically ranges from $60,080 for entry-level positions to $218,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 35.5% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
No, not compared to the national average.While lawyers in Wilmington, NC, earn a respectable $125,720 annually, this is significantly lower than the national average of $194,940. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($129,950) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for lawyers in Wilmington, NC, is $125,720.
How does Wilmington's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Wilmington, NC, earn approximately 35% less than the national average salary of $194,940.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the legal profession in Wilmington, NC?
The legal profession is less concentrated in Wilmington, NC, with a location quotient of 0.63, meaning there are fewer lawyers per capita than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 3.046 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 Wilmington, NC