Cleveland vs Hamilton: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Hamilton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Hamilton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,010▲ | $114,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.79▲ | $54.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,300▲ | $66,246 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,407▲ | $82,237 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,295▲ | $146,198 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,013▲ | $177,037 |
| Total Employed | 5,540▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamilton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Hamilton is $26,793 (23.46%). Cleveland's median is -15.65% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $215,713,Hamilton spans $110,791. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($150,134 effective) pays 19.22% more than Hamilton ($125,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,010/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($295,013)
- ✓Larger job market (5,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,134)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Hamilton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Cleveland grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Hamilton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$107,250 (2019) → $134,680 (2025)
Hamilton, OH
$119,774 (2024) → $109,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Hamilton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Cleveland or Hamilton?
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What do entry-level lawyers earn in Cleveland vs Hamilton?
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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