Lawyers pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for lawyers is $64.69 an hour ($134,560 a year). About 1,760 people work in this job there.
That is 16% lower than the U.S. median ($159,670). It is 9% higher than the Iowa median ($123,550).
Pay range for lawyers in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $31.65 | $65,830 |
| 25% of workers | $46.07 | $95,820 |
| Half of workers (median) | $64.69 | $134,560 |
| 75% of workers | $102.47 | $213,150 |
| 90% of workers | $140.40 | $292,020 |
Lawyers pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $137,570 | 330 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $134,560 | 1,760 |
| Iowa City | $127,210 | 140 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $126,570 | 160 |
| Ames | $125,200 | 90 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $124,850 | 420 |
| Sioux City | $120,790 | 150 |
| Dubuque | $109,270 | 100 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for lawyers
- Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: +4.7% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 28,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $73,710 |
| Compliance Officers | $84,590 |
| Chief Executives | $290,870 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.