Average Legal Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
In Winston-Salem, NC, professionals in Legal Occupations earn an average annual salary of $119,870. This figure is notably below the national average of $143,370, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local legal market. The concentration of legal roles and the overall economic landscape of Winston-Salem play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $119,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $179,805.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem's legal sector comprises a workforce of 1,870 professionals, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 6.841. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration of legal occupations compared to the national average. While not a major hub for legal employment, the existing workforce indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for legal services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Winston-Salem, NC earns-16.4%below the national average.
$57.6
$2,305
$9,989
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Legal Occupations in Winston-Salem, like most markets, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized legal expertise, and the evolving complexity of legal practice, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression within Legal Occupations in Winston-Salem significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries underscores the substantial rewards associated with accumulating expertise and advancing through the ranks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $39,990 | $19.2 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,903 | $43.2 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $76,910 | $37 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $149,838 | $72 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $179,805 | $86.4 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$119,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$119,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $119,870 in Winston-Salem aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a legal professional's income in Winston-Salem is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively supports a comparable lifestyle to that experienced in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
1,870
Total Jobs
6.841
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.83x 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 0.83, Winston-Salem exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Legal Occupations compared to the national average. This indicates that while legal roles are present and necessary, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific local industries. The job market is moderately competitive, with demand being consistent but not exceptionally high, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $98,070↓ 18% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Legal Occupations Salary | $84,730↓ 29% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Legal Occupations Salary | $98,730↓ 18% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Legal Occupations Salary | $86,470↓ 28% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Legal Occupations Salary | $89,390↓ 25% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Winston-Salem, NC is $119,870. This typically ranges from $39,990 for entry-level positions to $179,805 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 16.4% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $119,870 is below the national average of $143,370, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
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 ($98,070) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's legal job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
Winston-Salem has a Location Quotient of 0.83 for Legal Occupations, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average.
What is the total number of legal professionals in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 1,870 individuals employed in Legal Occupations in Winston-Salem.
How does the cost of living in Winston-Salem affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Winston-Salem's cost of living is average, meaning the $119,870 salary has average purchasing power nationally.
Are there many legal job opportunities in Winston-Salem?
The number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 6.841, suggesting a steady but not overwhelming presence of legal job opportunities in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,870 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 6.841 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Legal Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC