Raleigh vs Wilmington: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,052▲ | $58,028 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.79▲ | $27.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,048 | $41,497▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,627▲ | $48,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,181▲ | $66,836 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,563▲ | $78,254 |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 580 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $6,024 (10.38%). Raleigh's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $48,515,Wilmington spans $36,757. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($65,255 effective) pays 8.43% more than Wilmington ($60,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,563)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,255)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Raleigh grew 23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$50,260 (2019) → $61,880 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$39,600 (2019) → $56,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, 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