Chapel Hill vs Raleigh: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,193▲ | $138,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.41▲ | $66.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,312 | $83,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,939▲ | $90,032 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,447 | $221,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,300 | $347,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 4,350▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill and Raleigh are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Raleigh is $2,073 (1.50%). Chapel Hill's median is -16.14% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $135,988,Raleigh spans $264,074. Raleigh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($149,779 effective) pays 6.44% more than Raleigh ($140,713 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 ($140,193/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,779)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($347,363)
- ✓Larger job market (4,350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Chapel Hill grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$128,945 (2024) → $133,900 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$121,120 (2019) → $131,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov