Jacksonville vs Raleigh: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Jacksonville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,498 | $138,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.11 | $66.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,660 | $83,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,652 | $90,032▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,383 | $221,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,922 | $347,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 4,350▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Raleigh is $52,622 (61.55%). 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 Jacksonville spans $137,262,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 51.55% more than Jacksonville ($92,847 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville grew -8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Jacksonville, NC
$89,320 (2019) → $81,660 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$121,120 (2019) → $131,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Jacksonville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Raleigh as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Jacksonville vs Raleigh?
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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