Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,036▲ | $140,884 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.25▲ | $67.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,640▲ | $68,924 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,256 | $100,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $207,076 | $223,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,370 | $305,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 330 | 1,760▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $3,152 (2.24%). 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 Cedar Rapids spans $208,730,Des Moines spans $236,821. Des Moines 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 5.38% more than Des Moines ($153,634 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,036/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,906)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,745)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$103,930 (2019) → $137,570 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$107,170 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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