Lawyer Salary in North Carolina
Lawyer pay in North Carolina, explained
Lawyers in North Carolina earn a median of $127,710 per year ($61.40 per hour), which is 20% below the national median of $159,670. Entry-level workers earn around $61,610, while the most experienced lawyers reach about $323,720. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $127,710 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $127,710 is worth about $135,392 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #26 for real pay (vs #29 on the sticker number).
Lawyer pay by experience in North Carolina
Lawyer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $127,710 | $135,392 | — |
| Virginia | $167,210 | $165,384 | −$39,500 |
| Tennessee | $136,180 | $148,231 | −$8,470 |
| Georgia | $134,830 | $140,021 | −$7,120 |
| South Carolina | $120,310 | $128,332 | +$7,400 |
Lawyer in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do lawyers make in North Carolina?
Lawyers in North Carolina earn a median of $127,710 per year ($61.40 per hour), compared with $159,670 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay lawyers well?
At $127,710, North Carolina pays 20% below the national median for lawyers. An estimated 17,000 work in the state.