Lawyer Salary in North Carolina
Lawyers in North Carolina earn an average of $145,615 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.1% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$145,615
per year
Hourly Rate
$70.01
per hour
vs National
-0.1%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$94,954
to $205,576
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$145,615
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$151,682
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Lawyer's salary of $145,615 has the purchasing power of $151,682 in an average-cost area.
Lawyer Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $146,530 | $70.45/hr | $98,238 | $207,768 | 433 |
| Charlotte, NC | $144,700 | $69.57/hr | $91,670 | $203,383 | 393 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Lawyer Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 826 Lawyers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Lawyer Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$94,954
Starting salary for new Lawyers
Median (50th Percentile)
$145,615
Mid-career Lawyer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$205,576
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Lawyer salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lawyer salary in North Carolina?
The average Lawyer salary in North Carolina is $145,615 per year ($70.01/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.1% below the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Lawyers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $146,530 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $144,700.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in North Carolina?
Lawyer salaries in North Carolina range from $94,954 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $205,576 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $145,615 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.