EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$161,739/yr
Typical range: $143,466 – $172,173
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Mechanical 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 | $82,041 | $6,837 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,622 | $8,302 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,342 | $9,279 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,109 | $10,509 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $161,739 | $13,478 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $189,867 | $15,822 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $196,899 | $16,408 | +140% |
Current Salary
$161,739
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$189,867
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechanical Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechanical Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in Austin, TX earns $143K–$172K/yr.