Lawyer Salary

Dallas vs Missouri City: Lawyer Salary (2026)

Compare lawyer salaries between Dallas, TX and Missouri City, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$176,430
$84.83/hr
Missouri City, TX
$136,117
$65.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMissouri City, TX
Median Salary$176,430$136,117
Hourly Rate$84.83$65.44
Entry Level (P10)$85,184$78,948
25th Percentile$109,925$98,004
75th Percentile$237,742$174,230
Top Earner (P90)$363,581$210,982
Total Employed17,11012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($176,430) and Missouri City ($136,117) lawyer salaries.DallasMissouri CityMedian Salary$176,430$136,117Entry Level (P10)$85,184$78,948Top Earner (P90)$363,581$210,982US Median $167,174

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missouri City.

The salary gap between Dallas and Missouri City is $40,313 (29.62%). 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 Dallas spans $278,397,Missouri City spans $132,034. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$85,184
P25$109,925
Median$176,430
P75$237,742
P90 (Top)$363,581
Missouri City
P10 (Entry)$78,948
P25$98,004
Median$136,117
P75$174,230
P90 (Top)$210,982

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($171,142 effective) pays 20.70% more than Missouri City ($141,789 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $176,430
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $171,142
Missouri City
Nominal: $136,117
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $141,789

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Missouri City if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Dallas grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.7% growth in Missouri City over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+29.8%

$129,840 (2019) → $168,510 (2025)

Missouri City, TX

+-12.7%

$149,003 (2024) → $130,007 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Dallas or Missouri City?

Dallas has a higher median lawyer salary at $176,430/year, compared to Missouri City at $136,117/year — a difference of $40,313 (29.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Missouri City?

Dallas lawyers earn $84.83/hr while Missouri City hygienists earn $65.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Missouri City as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Missouri City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $171,142, Missouri City = $141,789), job availability (17,110 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Dallas vs Missouri City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $85,184 in Dallas and $78,948 in Missouri City. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Martinez, JDData verified by Priya Patel, JD

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