TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Network Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$174,433/yr
Typical range: $148,214 – $182,250
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Network Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Network 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 | $80,145 | $6,679 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,002 | $8,250 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,574 | $9,298 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $129,175 | $10,765 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $174,433 | $14,536 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $218,748 | $18,229 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $229,827 | $19,152 | +187% |
Current Salary
$174,433
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$218,748
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Network Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Network Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $174K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Network Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $174K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Network Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Network Engineer in Austin, TX earns $148K–$182K/yr.