El Paso vs Houston: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,156 | $165,405▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.75 | $79.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,776▲ | $83,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,956 | $110,186▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,843 | $255,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,162 | $380,187▲ |
| Total Employed | 780 | 16,810▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $18,249 (12.40%). Houston's median is -1.06% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $143,386,Houston spans $296,207. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($167,704 effective) pays 2.47% more than El Paso ($163,667 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,405/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($380,187)
- ✓Larger job market (16,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,704)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in El Paso grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$111,010 (2019) → $140,550 (2025)
Houston, TX
$135,830 (2019) → $157,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: El Paso or Houston?
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Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in El Paso vs Houston?
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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