Fort Collins vs Louisville: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Louisville, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Louisville, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,555▲ | $119,472 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.13▲ | $57.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,519▲ | $69,294 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,339▲ | $86,019 |
| 75th Percentile | $217,232▲ | $152,925 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $327,543▲ | $185,182 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Louisville is $18,083 (15.14%). Fort Collins's median is -17.72% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $246,024,Louisville spans $115,888. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($136,021 effective) pays 19.54% more than Louisville ($113,783 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,555/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($327,543)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,021)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fort Collins grew 10.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -23.2% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$118,790 (2019) → $131,380 (2025)
Louisville, CO
$148,674 (2024) → $114,109 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Louisville, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Fort Collins or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Louisville as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Fort Collins vs Louisville?
Related Comparisons
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