Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Wilmington, NC
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $51,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,080, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in compensation levels within this coastal city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Wilmington presents a moderately concentrated job market, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.1. This suggests a slightly higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable, albeit not booming, demand for legal support professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wilmington, NC earns-22.1%below the national average.
$24.8
$990
$4,292
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wilmington have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving legal service demands. This general upward trajectory is typical for established professions.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wilmington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior paralegals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The difference between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $38,090 | $18.3 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $38,625 | $18.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $46,780 | $22.5 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,375 | $30.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $75,330 | $36.2 |
Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,500 in Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a paralegal's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where typical living expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
2.617
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates that Wilmington has a slightly higher concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants relative to its general workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where employers actively seek qualified candidates, but the supply of professionals is also reasonably robust.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $50,130↓ 3% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $48,210↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $49,990↓ 3% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $49,380↓ 4% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $47,730↓ 7% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Wilmington, NC is $51,500. This typically ranges from $38,090 for entry-level positions to $75,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 22.1% lower than the national median of $66,080.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $51,500 is significantly lower than the national average of $66,080, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
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 ($50,130) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the number of local jobs compare nationally?
Wilmington has 2.617 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for paralegals and legal assistants.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?
A Location Quotient of 1.1 signifies a slightly higher concentration of paralegal roles in Wilmington than the national average, indicating a stable job market with moderate opportunities.
Does experience significantly impact salary in Wilmington?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary growth, with senior paralegals earning substantially more than entry-level professionals, reflecting career progression.
How does Wilmington's cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wilmington's expenses are on par with the national average, meaning the $51,500 salary offers average purchasing power locally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.617 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 Wilmington, NC