Burlington vs Cedar Rapids: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Burlington, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,555 | $144,036▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.84 | $69.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,402 | $78,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,119 | $99,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,991 | $207,076▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,161 | $287,370▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is $17,481 (13.81%). Cedar Rapids's median is -13.84% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $122,759,Cedar Rapids spans $208,730. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($161,906 effective) pays 15.65% more than Burlington ($139,994 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,036/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($287,370)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,906)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Burlington grew 16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$104,162 (2024) → $120,874 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$103,930 (2019) → $137,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Burlington or Cedar Rapids?
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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