GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$109,799/yr
Typical range: $104,703 – $118,241
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Austin
Policy Analyst 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 | $71,369 | $5,947 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,519 | $6,710 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $87,839 | $7,320 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,159 | $7,930 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $109,799 | $9,150 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $122,975 | $10,248 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $126,269 | $10,522 | +77% |
Current Salary
$109,799
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$122,975
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Austin, TX earn approximately $110K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $110K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Austin, TX earns $105K–$118K/yr.