Business & Finance Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Paralegal Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median paralegal salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $52,688 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 6.3% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$52,688
vs State Avg
$-3,552
vs National
$-6,512
Cost of Living
86%

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

Winston-Salem offers a median paralegal salary of $52,688, which is $3,552 below the North Carolina state average of $56,240. Compared to the national median of $59,200, 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 $52,688 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,265 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for paralegals seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for paralegals in Winston-Salem spans from $34,176 at the 10th percentile to $82,236 at the 90th percentile — a $48,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,600, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,650. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Paralegal Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level paralegal earns around $35,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,650
$-9,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $34,176
25th Percentile $41,652
Median (50th) $52,688
75th Percentile $66,750
90th Percentile $82,236

Paralegal Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$59,792
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$59,792
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$58,016
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$53,872
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Paralegal in Winston-Salem

Education

Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Paralegal Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open paralegal positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Paralegal make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $52,688 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $34,176 (10th percentile) to $82,236 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,688, a paralegal in Winston-Salem earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median paralegal salary of $52,688 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $56,240. 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 paralegal salary of $52,688 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Winston-Salem require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.