TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$282,973/yr
Typical range: $240,440 – $295,654
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 | $130,015 | $10,835 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $160,606 | $13,384 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $181,001 | $15,083 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $209,553 | $17,463 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $282,973 | $23,581 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $354,863 | $29,572 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $372,836 | $31,070 | +187% |
Current Salary
$282,973
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $136/hr
Next Level Target
$354,863
Principal · 14
+$72Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $283K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $283K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $136/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Austin, TX earns $240K–$296K/yr.