Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Ankeny, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,900 | $59,435▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.36 | $28.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,291▲ | $39,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,729 | $49,188▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,833▲ | $65,822 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,196▲ | $79,558 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids is $2,535 (4.46%). 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 Ankeny spans $46,905,Cedar Rapids spans $40,328. Ankeny has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($66,809 effective) pays 6.14% more than Ankeny ($62,942 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,196)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Ankeny grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$48,319 (2024) → $54,971 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$47,710 (2019) → $57,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Ankeny or Cedar Rapids?
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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