Legal Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Lawyer Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median lawyer salary in Durham, NC is $128,953 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$128,953
vs State Avg
+$4,072
vs National
$-6,787
Cost of Living
95%

Lawyer Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level lawyer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,100
$-6,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $61,750
25th Percentile $80,750
Median (50th) $128,953
75th Percentile $176,700
90th Percentile $227,240

Lawyer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Durham

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.