Durham vs Wilmington: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Durham, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,031▲ | $114,772 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.84▲ | $55.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,275 | $68,160▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,723 | $83,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $217,640▲ | $182,000 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $349,185▲ | $316,686 |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Durham and Wilmington is $24,259 (21.14%). 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 Durham spans $284,910,Wilmington spans $248,526. Durham 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, Durham ($142,491 effective) pays 19.71% more than Wilmington ($119,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Durham grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 67.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Durham, NC
$108,310 (2019) → $132,790 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$65,460 (2019) → $109,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wilmington, 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