Paralegal salary in Charlotte, NC
Median pay, Charlotte metro
$59,870/year
about $28.78 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $49,110 – $76,110
Half of paralegals in the Charlotte metro area earn more than $59,870 a year and half earn less. That's 5% lower than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #28 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,160 | $20.75 |
| 25th | $49,110 | $23.61 |
| Median (50th) | $59,870 | $28.78 |
| 75th | $76,110 | $36.59 |
| 90th (top earners) | $99,530 | $47.85 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a paralegal job in the Charlotte metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $49,110 ($23.61/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $49,110 to $76,110 ($23.61 to $36.59/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $76,110 ($36.59/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Large law firms usually pay more than small firms or in-house roles, but often expect longer hours.
- Ask whether overtime is paid. Many paralegal roles qualify for it.
- A paralegal certificate or experience in a specific practice area can support a higher offer.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Charlotte metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.