it depends on
how hard you work
type of law you practice
type of clients
if you are in private practice or part of a small or large firm
your individual job performance and expertise

the median income for an attorney in Chicago is:
$136,680.00 a year
and in Denver is:
$120,620.00 a year

the cost of living in Denver is about 11% less then in Chicago so that must be figured in to the equation.
The question to ask is not which pays more, but which pays better in proportion to the cost of living expenses. Chicago may pay $15k more a year, but I'd imagine that housing is a lot more expensive than it is in Denver.

Last I heard, lawyers everywhere are struggling in cities big and small.
Chicago theres more going on over there but if you really want money go to newyork they need lawers