Legal Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Lawyer Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median lawyer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$119,451
vs State Avg
$-1,358
vs National
$-16,289
Cost of Living
88%

Lawyer Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median lawyer salary of $119,451, which is $1,358 below the Iowa state average of $120,809. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $119,451 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Cedar Rapids spans from $57,200 at the 10th percentile to $210,496 at the 90th percentile — a $153,296 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level lawyer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $57,200
25th Percentile $74,800
Median (50th) $119,451
75th Percentile $163,680
90th Percentile $210,496

Lawyer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$128,953
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$124,881
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$116,736
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$114,022
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Lawyer in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open lawyer positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Lawyer make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $57,200 (10th percentile) to $210,496 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,451, a lawyer in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median lawyer salary of $119,451 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $120,809. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $119,451 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Cedar Rapids require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.