Average Legal Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
In Wilmington, NC, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $91,480. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $143,370, reflecting the specific economic dynamics and demand within this coastal North Carolina region. Local market conditions, industry concentration, and the overall cost of doing business significantly influence compensation levels for legal professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $174,770.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC supports a local workforce of 1,100 individuals in Legal Occupations, with 5.896 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that while legal professions are present, they are slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for legal talent within the area, suggesting a moderate job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Wilmington, NC earns-36.2%below the national average.
$44
$1,759
$7,623
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's legal sector isn't provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Legal Occupations have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for legal services, and the evolving complexity of legal practice, leading to incremental salary increases for professionals in the field.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression within Legal Occupations in Wilmington, NC, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior roles, those with specialized expertise, or those in leadership positions can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain experience and develop their skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $38,210 | $18.4 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $68,610 | $33 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $63,020 | $30.3 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $114,350 | $55 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $174,770 | $84 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,480 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a legal professional's income in Wilmington is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with an average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary offers a standard quality of life relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
5.896
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.71x the national average concentration of Legal Occupations 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 0.71, Wilmington, NC, has a slightly lower concentration of Legal Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the market is not oversaturated with legal professionals, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals. While not a major hub for legal employment, the presence of 1,100 professionals indicates a consistent need for legal services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $81,290↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Legal Occupations Salary | $82,640↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $84,290↓ 8% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $79,660↓ 13% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $94,240↑ 3% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Wilmington, NC is $91,480. This typically ranges from $38,210 for entry-level positions to $174,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 36.2% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $91,480 is significantly below the national average of $143,370, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
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 ($81,290) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's legal job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
Wilmington, NC has a Location Quotient of 0.71 for Legal Occupations, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the total number of legal professionals in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 1,100 individuals employed in Legal Occupations within Wilmington, NC.
Does the cost of living in Wilmington affect the perceived value of the average legal salary?
No, the cost of living index in Wilmington is 100, which is the national average, meaning the $91,480 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the jobs per 1,000 workers metric suggest about the legal field in Wilmington?
With 5.896 jobs per 1,000 workers, the legal field in Wilmington shows a steady presence, though not exceptionally high compared to some other sectors or national averages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 5.896 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC