ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$145,500/yr
Typical range: $132,822 – $160,372
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Austin
Climate Scientist 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 | $70,056 | $5,838 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,378 | $7,365 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,311 | $8,443 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $115,322 | $9,610 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $145,500 | $12,125 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $168,780 | $14,065 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $174,600 | $14,550 | +149% |
Current Salary
$145,500
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $70/hr
Next Level Target
$168,780
Principal · 14
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Austin, TX earn approximately $146K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $146K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $70/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Austin, TX earns $133K–$160K/yr.