salary$134,560 a year$65 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$65,830per year
Top pay (top 10%)$292,020per year
Jobs in the area1,760people work this job
Can a lawyer afford Des Moines?
Cheap. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 11.3% of the median lawyer salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Lawyer pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyer make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a lawyer in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $134,560 a year ($65 an hour). Most earn between $65,830 and $292,020.
Can a lawyer afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 11.3% of the median lawyer salary, which we rate Cheap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.