Legal Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Lawyer Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median lawyer salary in Sioux City, IA is $114,022 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$114,022
vs State Avg
$-6,787
vs National
$-21,718
Cost of Living
84%

Lawyer Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median lawyer salary of $114,022, which is $6,787 below the Iowa state average of $120,809. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $114,022 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Sioux City spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $200,928 at the 90th percentile — a $146,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,800, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level lawyer earns around $58,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,920
$-22,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
$-35,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $54,600
25th Percentile $71,400
Median (50th) $114,022
75th Percentile $156,240
90th Percentile $200,928

Lawyer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$128,953
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$124,881
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$119,451
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$116,736
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Lawyer in Sioux City

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Sioux City 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 Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open lawyer positions in Sioux City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Lawyer make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $114,022 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $200,928 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,022, a lawyer in Sioux City earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Sioux City's median lawyer salary of $114,022 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $120,809. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $114,022 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Sioux City? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Sioux City 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.