Cedar City vs Salt Lake City: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cedar City, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar City, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,497 | $143,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.77 | $68.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,529▲ | $57,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,518 | $106,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,476 | $227,136▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,171 | $379,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 4,830▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar City.
The salary gap between Cedar City and Salt Lake City is $14,932 (11.62%). Salt Lake City's median is -14.20% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $124,642,Salt Lake City spans $322,193. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($142,195 effective) pays 8.56% more than Cedar City ($130,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar City if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($379,485)
- ✓Larger job market (4,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,195)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Cedar City grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Cedar City, UT
$120,987 (2024) → $122,729 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$116,950 (2019) → $136,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Cedar City or Salt Lake City?
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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