Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Jacksonville, NC
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $50,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,080, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Jacksonville area. The pay differential underscores the importance of regional market dynamics in compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Jacksonville, NC, presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 1.7 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand or specialized legal industry presence within the region that supports this workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC earns-24.1%below the national average.
$24.1
$964
$4,178
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased demand for legal services, and inflation typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, NC
Career progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $35,540 | $17.1 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $37,598 | $18.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $45,760 | $22 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $62,663 | $30.1 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $74,960 | $36 |
Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,130 in Jacksonville, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Paralegals and Legal Assistants in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
4.052
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Jacksonville, NC has 1.7x the national concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Jacksonville, NC, exhibits a strong concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.7. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than 70% higher than the national average relative to the general workforce, indicating a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich job market for those in the legal support field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $51,500↑ 3% | 46 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $49,990↓ 0% | 55 mi |
| Greenville, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $47,730↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $48,540↓ 3% | 89 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $49,380↓ 1% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, NC
Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Jacksonville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC is $50,130. This typically ranges from $35,540 for entry-level positions to $74,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, NC is 24.1% lower than the national median of $66,080.
Is Jacksonville, NC a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $50,130 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,080. The high concentration of roles suggests demand, but compensation is currently below the national benchmark.
Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wilmington, NC ($51,500) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 4.052 jobs per 1,000 workers, Jacksonville, NC, shows a higher density of Paralegal and Legal Assistant roles compared to the national average, reinforcing the localized demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.7?
An LQ of 1.7 means that Paralegals and Legal Assistants are 70% more concentrated in Jacksonville, NC, than in the average U.S. location, indicating a specialized or high-demand market for these roles.
Does experience impact salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Jacksonville, NC?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level positions will likely earn less, while senior Paralegals and Legal Assistants with substantial experience can command higher salaries, moving up the pay scale.
How does the cost of living affect the $50,130 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $50,130 salary in Jacksonville, NC, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your income stretches as far as it would nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Jacksonville, NC area with a job density of 4.052 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paralegals and Legal Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jacksonville, NC