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.
$282,736/yr
Typical range: $240,239 – $295,406
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 | $129,906 | $10,826 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $160,472 | $13,373 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $180,849 | $15,071 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $209,378 | $17,448 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $282,736 | $23,561 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $354,567 | $29,547 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $372,524 | $31,044 | +187% |
Current Salary
$282,736
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $136/hr
Next Level Target
$354,567
Principal · 14
+$72Kpotential 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 $283K 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 $283K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $136/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 $240K–$295K/yr.