ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Architect Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$157,576/yr
Typical range: $140,591 – $171,828
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in Austin
Architect Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $76,537 | $6,378 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,545 | $7,879 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,551 | $8,879 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $121,558 | $10,130 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $157,576 | $13,131 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $191,792 | $15,983 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $200,346 | $16,696 | +162% |
Current Salary
$157,576
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$191,792
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Architect salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Architects in Austin, TX earn approximately $158K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Architect make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $158K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Architect in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Austin, TX earns $141K–$172K/yr.