Chapel Hill vs Durham: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,797▲ | $54,343 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.34▲ | $26.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,724 | $47,904▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,507 | $52,262▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,357▲ | $66,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,935 | $92,869▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill and Durham are closely matched on overall paralegal compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Durham is $454 (0.84%). Chapel Hill's median is -15.82% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $47,211,Durham spans $44,965. Chapel Hill has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($58,544 effective) pays 5.11% more than Durham ($55,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,797/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,544)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,869)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Chapel Hill grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Durham over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$52,326 (2024) → $52,939 (2025)
Durham, NC
$47,910 (2019) → $52,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov