Cedar Rapids vs Marshalltown: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,435▲ | $55,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.58▲ | $26.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,230 | $41,740▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,188▲ | $44,281 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,822 | $69,948▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,558 | $86,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown is $3,670 (6.58%). Cedar Rapids's median is -8.70% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $40,328,Marshalltown spans $44,696. Marshalltown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($66,809 effective) pays 8.30% more than Marshalltown ($61,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,435/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,809)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,436)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$47,710 (2019) → $57,420 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$47,355 (2024) → $53,874 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Cedar Rapids or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Marshalltown as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov