Average Lawyers Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC earn an average annual salary of $174,540, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This disparity can often be attributed to the specific economic drivers and legal market demands within the Winston-Salem region compared to broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $174,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $261,810.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 legal professionals, Winston-Salem presents a moderately sized market for lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that the concentration of lawyers is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not overly saturated job market.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC earns-10.5%below the national average.
$83.9
$3,357
$14,545
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for lawyers in Winston-Salem, like in many professional fields, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing demand for legal services, and evolving economic conditions within North Carolina.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
The salary range for lawyers in Winston-Salem typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned legal professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $61,900 | $29.8 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $130,905 | $62.9 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $121,230 | $58.3 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $218,175 | $104.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $261,810 | $125.9 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$174,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$174,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average lawyer salary of $174,540 in Winston-Salem aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's income in Winston-Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
3.599
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.74x 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 0.74 for lawyers in Winston-Salem indicates that the profession is somewhat less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent demand for legal services, the market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration of legal professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Lawyers Salary | $141,490↓ 19% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $125,580↓ 28% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $134,030↓ 23% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $120,570↓ 31% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Lawyers Salary | $135,490↓ 22% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC is $174,540. This typically ranges from $61,900 for entry-level positions to $261,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 10.5% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $174,540 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($141,490) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Winston-Salem earn an average of $174,540 annually, which is approximately $20,000 less than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Winston-Salem?
The Location Quotient for lawyers in Winston-Salem is 0.74, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect lawyer salaries in Winston-Salem?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Winston-Salem's cost of living is average. This means the $174,540 salary offers average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of lawyers in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a local workforce of 980 lawyers, indicating a substantial presence within the legal community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 3.599 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 Winston-Salem, NC