LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Paralegal Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$125,482/yr
Typical range: $96,654 – $123,265
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Paralegal salary by experience level in Austin
Paralegal 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 | $42,812 | $3,568 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $57,574 | $4,798 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $68,400 | $5,700 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $84,147 | $7,012 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $125,482 | $10,457 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $172,722 | $14,394 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $184,533 | $15,378 | +331% |
Current Salary
$125,482
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $60/hr
Next Level Target
$172,722
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Paralegal salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Paralegals in Austin, TX earn approximately $125K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Paralegal make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $125K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $60/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Paralegal in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Paralegal in Austin, TX earns $97K–$123K/yr.