Carrollton vs Dallas: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,594 | $176,430▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.15 | $84.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,804 | $85,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,067 | $109,925▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,120 | $237,742▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,270 | $363,581▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 17,110▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and Dallas is $38,836 (28.23%). Dallas's median is +5.54% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $133,466,Dallas spans $278,397. Dallas 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, Dallas ($171,142 effective) pays 19.41% more than Carrollton ($143,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,430/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($363,581)
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,142)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Carrollton grew -12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$150,619 (2024) → $131,417 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$129,840 (2019) → $168,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Carrollton or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to Dallas as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Carrollton vs Dallas?
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