Cornelius vs Durham: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cornelius, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cornelius, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,532 | $139,031▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.62 | $66.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,688▲ | $64,275 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,303 | $82,723▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,761 | $217,640▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,874 | $349,185▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cornelius.
The salary gap between Cornelius and Durham is $27,499 (24.66%). Durham's median is -16.83% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cornelius spans $108,186,Durham spans $284,910. Durham 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, Durham ($142,491 effective) pays 19.58% more than Cornelius ($119,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cornelius if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($349,185)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,491)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Cornelius grew -16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Durham over the same period.
Cornelius, NC
$127,463 (2024) → $106,525 (2025)
Durham, NC
$108,310 (2019) → $132,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cornelius, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Cornelius or Durham?
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Should I relocate from Cornelius to Durham as a lawyer?
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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