Lawyer Salary in Iowa
Based on 4K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$123,550
$59.40/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-8.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $268K
4K employed in Iowa
Lawyer salary in Iowa averages $123,550 annually, reflecting a competitive legal market supported by approximately 3,550 practicing attorneys across the state. However, this median sits about 8% below the national average, indicating that Iowa lawyers typically earn less than their counterparts in other states, though compensation remains substantial relative to many other professions.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Iowa, including years of experience, practice specialization, firm size, and geographic location within the state. Attorneys in larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids generally command higher salaries than those in rural areas. Additionally, lawyers working in specialized fields such as corporate law or intellectual property tend to earn more than those in general practice, while experience level remains one of the strongest predictors of earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,790 |
| 25th percentile | $81,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $123,550 |
| 75th percentile | $179,610 |
| 90th percentile | $268,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,130 |
| 2023 | $107,990 |
| 2024 | $107,870 |
| 2025 | $123,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,963 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,130 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $107,990 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $107,870 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $123,550 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,963 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $123,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $179,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $268,460 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Lawyer ($123,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in IA | $64,260 | -48.0% | $30.89/hr |
| Paralegal in IA | $54,550 | -55.8% | $26.23/hr |
| Title Examiner in IA | $46,330 | -62.5% | $22.27/hr |
| Database Administrator in IA | $124,040 | +0.4% | $59.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IA | $122,920 | -0.5% | $59.10/hr |
| Veterinarian in IA | $124,610 | +0.9% | $59.91/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IA | $125,120 | +1.3% | $60.15/hr |
| Optometrist in IA | $125,380 | +1.5% | $60.28/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IA | $121,580 | -1.6% | $58.45/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IA | $120,730 | -2.3% | $58.04/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IA | $126,370 | +2.3% | $60.75/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IA | $119,710 | -3.1% | $57.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Iowa?
- Lawyers in Iowa earn a median salary of $123,550 per year, or approximately $59 per hour. This is about 8.3% lower than the national average for lawyers across the United States.
What is the salary range for lawyers working in Iowa?
- Lawyer salaries in Iowa range from a low of $63,790 to a high of $268,460 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice settings across the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 3,550 lawyers currently employed in Iowa, making it a significant portion of the state's professional workforce.
Is a lawyer salary in Iowa below the national average?
- Yes, Iowa lawyer salaries are 8.3% below the national average, with the state median at $123,550 compared to higher averages in other regions.