Durham vs Monroe: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Durham, NC and Monroe, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Monroe, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,343▲ | $51,384 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.13▲ | $24.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,904▲ | $39,201 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,262▲ | $42,530 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,153▲ | $64,983 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,869▲ | $79,646 |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Durham and Monroe is $2,959 (5.76%). Durham's median is -16.52% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $44,965,Monroe spans $40,445. Durham 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, Durham ($55,695 effective) pays 1.45% more than Monroe ($54,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,343/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,869)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,695)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Durham grew 9.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Monroe over the same period.
Durham, NC
$47,910 (2019) → $52,500 (2025)
Monroe, NC
$50,398 (2024) → $49,642 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Monroe, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Durham or Monroe?
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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