Lawyer Salary

Montgomery vs Phenix City: Lawyer Salary (2026)

Compare lawyer salaries between Montgomery, AL and Phenix City, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Montgomery, AL
$131,179
$63.07/hr
Phenix City, AL
$123,317
$59.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMontgomery, ALPhenix City, AL
Median Salary$131,179$123,317
Hourly Rate$63.07$59.29
Entry Level (P10)$74,745$71,524
25th Percentile$96,104$88,788
75th Percentile$173,676$157,846
Top Earner (P90)$224,917$191,141
Total Employed9607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Montgomery ($131,179) and Phenix City ($123,317) lawyer salaries.MontgomeryPhenix CityMedian Salary$131,179$123,317Entry Level (P10)$74,745$71,524Top Earner (P90)$224,917$191,141US Median $167,174

Verdict

Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Phenix City.

The salary gap between Montgomery and Phenix City is $7,862 (6.38%). Montgomery's median is -21.53% compared to the US national median of $167,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montgomery spans $150,172,Phenix City spans $119,617. Montgomery has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$74,745
P25$96,104
Median$131,179
P75$173,676
P90 (Top)$224,917
Phenix City
P10 (Entry)$71,524
P25$88,788
Median$123,317
P75$157,846
P90 (Top)$191,141

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Montgomery ($146,271 effective) pays 4.26% more than Phenix City ($140,292 effective).

Montgomery
Nominal: $131,179
CoL Index: 89.682
Adjusted: $146,271
Phenix City
Nominal: $123,317
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $140,292

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Higher median salary ($131,179/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($224,917)
  • Larger job market (960 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,271)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Phenix City if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Montgomery grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Phenix City over the same period.

Montgomery, AL

+14.3%

$109,650 (2019) → $125,290 (2025)

Phenix City, AL

+15.4%

$102,063 (2024) → $117,781 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Montgomery or Phenix City?

Montgomery has a higher median lawyer salary at $131,179/year, compared to Phenix City at $123,317/year — a difference of $7,862 (6.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Phenix City?

Montgomery lawyers earn $63.07/hr while Phenix City hygienists earn $59.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Montgomery to Phenix City as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Montgomery and Phenix City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Montgomery = $146,271, Phenix City = $140,292), job availability (960 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Montgomery vs Phenix City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $74,745 in Montgomery and $71,524 in Phenix City. The Montgomery area offers higher starting salaries.
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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