Cedar Rapids vs Johnston: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,036▲ | $122,333 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.25▲ | $58.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,640▲ | $70,953 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,256▲ | $88,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,076▲ | $156,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,370▲ | $189,616 |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Johnston is $21,703 (17.74%). 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,Johnston spans $118,663. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($161,906 effective) pays 19.64% more than Johnston ($135,324 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 top-earner potential ($287,370)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,906)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓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 16.0% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$103,930 (2019) → $137,570 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$100,686 (2024) → $116,841 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Johnston, 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