North Carolina ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $49,910 — a 101% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,150 to $82,380 — a $45,230 spread, 24% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.3% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (12,270 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,150 | $17.86 |
| 25th percentile | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,390 | $23.75 |
| 75th percentile | $62,420 | $30.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,380 | $39.60 |
| Mean (average) | $56,810 | $27.31 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $49,390 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +101% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +58% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +52% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +49% |
| California | $72,960 | +48% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +36% |
| New York | $66,390 | +34% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +30% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,400 | 44,040 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $49,570 | 1,890 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $49,580 | 64,610 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $49,080 | 11,780 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,080 | 2,240 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $49,710 | 3,420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in North Carolina?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in North Carolina is $56,810 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,390 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in North Carolina?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $37,150 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,810 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $82,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,420 per year.
How does the North Carolina Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in North Carolina is $49,390, which is -19% below national average of $61,010.