EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$158,247/yr
Typical range: $140,369 – $168,456
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Civil 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 | $80,270 | $6,689 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,471 | $8,123 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $108,938 | $9,078 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $123,387 | $10,282 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $158,247 | $13,187 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $185,769 | $15,481 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $192,649 | $16,054 | +140% |
Current Salary
$158,247
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$185,769
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers 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 Civil Engineer 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 Civil Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Austin, TX earns $140K–$168K/yr.