LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 97/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$176,380/yr
Typical range: $157,680 – $156,374
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Sydney
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $60,177 | $5,015 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,927 | $6,744 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,144 | $8,012 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,278 | $9,857 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $176,380 | $14,698 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $242,782 | $20,232 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $259,383 | $21,615 | +331% |
Current Salary
$176,380
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$242,782
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $176K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Sydney, Australia earns $158K–$156K/yr.