LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$288,223/yr
Typical range: $222,006 – $283,130
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Austin
Lawyer / Attorney 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 | $98,335 | $8,195 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,244 | $11,020 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,110 | $13,093 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $193,279 | $16,107 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $288,223 | $24,019 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $396,731 | $33,061 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $423,858 | $35,322 | +331% |
Current Salary
$288,223
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $139/hr
Next Level Target
$396,731
Principal · 14
+$109Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Austin, TX earn approximately $288K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $288K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $139/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Austin, TX earns $222K–$283K/yr.