ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$132,299/yr
Typical range: $120,771 – $145,821
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in Austin
Biologist 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 | $63,699 | $5,308 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,359 | $6,697 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $92,119 | $7,677 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $104,859 | $8,738 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,299 | $11,025 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $153,466 | $12,789 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $158,758 | $13,230 | +149% |
Current Salary
$132,299
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$153,466
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Biologists in Austin, TX earn approximately $132K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in Austin, TX earns $121K–$146K/yr.