TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead NLP Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,074/yr
Typical range: $172,550 – $212,174
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
NLP Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
NLP 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 | $93,304 | $7,775 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,258 | $9,605 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $129,894 | $10,825 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $150,384 | $12,532 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,074 | $16,923 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $254,665 | $21,222 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $267,563 | $22,297 | +187% |
Current Salary
$203,074
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$254,665
Principal · 14
+$52Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead NLP Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead NLP Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $203K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead NLP Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior NLP Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior NLP Engineer in Austin, TX earns $173K–$212K/yr.