Lawyer Salary in Johnston, IA: $122,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Johnston, IA earns a median $122,333/year (≈ $58.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $135,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for lawyers in Johnston, IA is expected to reach $122,333, reflecting the unique structural dynamics of the legal market in the area. With a range stretching from $70,953 at the 10th percentile to $189,616 at the 90th percentile, compensation here falls significantly below the national lawyer pay benchmark of $167,174, illustrating a local average that is roughly 26.82% lower than the national standard. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, taking into account state-level estimates and regional cost adjustments, which can impact take-home pay. Despite the comparatively lower salaries in Johnston, the area's legal job market offers distinct opportunities, particularly for those considering firm size and practice location when evaluating potential earnings.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,953 | $34.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,080 | $42.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,333 | $58.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,585 | $75.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,616 | $91.16 |
Median Salary Position
26.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,663 (2026 est.). At $122,333, the local median is 26.82% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Lawyer Pay Compares
Johnston median: $122,333/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $131,824 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -26.82% less |
Lawyers in Johnston, IA earn a median of $122,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.82% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $131,824.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A lawyer earning $122,333 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,324 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,978
2025 BLS Actual
$116,841
2026 Current Est.
$122,333
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,659 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,082 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $89,978 (2019) to $116,841 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,082 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,104 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,953 – $88,080 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,080 – $122,333 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,333 – $156,585 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,585 – $189,616 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Johnston
Examining the local job market reveals that only four lawyers are currently employed in Johnston, indicating a niche and potentially competitive landscape for legal professionals. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower, purchasing power could be more favorable compared to larger urban centers. Among the various employers, mid-size firms are likely to offer better pay than smaller practices, though neither approach the compensation levels seen in BigLaw firms found in larger cities. Factors such as firm tier, billable hours, and partnership equity play critical roles in salary disparities. Aspiring lawyers might want to focus on gaining experience in specialized areas to enhance their value or consider in-house positions that offer better work-life balance. For those determined to maximize their compensation in Johnston, strategic networking and a demonstrated commitment to client service can also foster better opportunities for advancement.
More salary data for Johnston, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $116,841 for lawyersin the Johnston metropolitan area. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov