EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$152,249/yr
Typical range: $135,048 – $162,070
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Environmental 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 | $77,228 | $6,436 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $93,776 | $7,815 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,809 | $8,734 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,710 | $9,893 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $152,249 | $12,687 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $178,727 | $14,894 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $185,346 | $15,446 | +140% |
Current Salary
$152,249
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $73/hr
Next Level Target
$178,727
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Environmental Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Environmental Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $152K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Environmental Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $152K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $73/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Environmental Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Engineer in Austin, TX earns $135K–$162K/yr.