Legal Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Lawyer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median lawyer salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $116,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$116,736
vs State Avg
$-8,145
vs National
$-19,004
Cost of Living
86%

Lawyer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median lawyer salary of $116,736, which is $8,145 below the North Carolina state average of $124,881. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $116,736 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Winston-Salem spans from $55,900 at the 10th percentile to $205,712 at the 90th percentile — a $149,812 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level lawyer earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,680
$-19,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $55,900
25th Percentile $73,100
Median (50th) $116,736
75th Percentile $159,960
90th Percentile $205,712

Lawyer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$133,025
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$133,025
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$128,953
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$119,451
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Lawyer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open lawyer positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Lawyer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $116,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $55,900 (10th percentile) to $205,712 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,736, a lawyer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median lawyer salary of $116,736 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $124,881. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $116,736 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Winston-Salem require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.