Cornelius vs Raleigh: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cornelius, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cornelius, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,532 | $138,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.62 | $66.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,688 | $83,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,303 | $90,032▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,761 | $221,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,874 | $347,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 4,350▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cornelius.
The salary gap between Cornelius and Raleigh is $26,588 (23.84%). Raleigh's median is -17.38% 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,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, Raleigh ($140,713 effective) pays 18.09% 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,120/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($347,363)
- ✓Larger job market (4,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,713)
- ✓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 8.9% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Cornelius, NC
$127,463 (2024) → $106,525 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$121,120 (2019) → $131,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cornelius, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Cornelius or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cornelius and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Cornelius to Raleigh as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Cornelius vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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