Des Moines vs Marion: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,884▲ | $129,602 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.73▲ | $62.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,924 | $75,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,324▲ | $93,313 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,168▲ | $165,891 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,745▲ | $200,883 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marion is $11,282 (8.71%). Des Moines's median is -15.73% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $236,821,Marion spans $125,714. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($153,634 effective) pays 7.16% more than Marion ($143,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,745)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,634)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Des Moines grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Marion over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$107,170 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
Marion, IA
$106,669 (2024) → $123,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marion, 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