Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,884▲ | $139,064 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.73▲ | $66.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,924 | $80,657▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,324▲ | $100,126 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,168▲ | $178,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,745▲ | $215,549 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $1,820 (1.31%). 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,West Des Moines spans $134,892. 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, West Des Moines ($153,832 effective) pays 0.13% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,745)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,832)
- ✓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 25.3% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$107,170 (2019) → $134,560 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$106,008 (2024) → $132,821 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Des Moines vs West Des Moines?
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