TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$220,274/yr
Typical range: $187,165 – $230,145
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Software 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 | $101,207 | $8,434 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,021 | $10,418 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,896 | $11,741 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $163,122 | $13,594 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $220,274 | $18,356 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $276,236 | $23,020 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $290,226 | $24,186 | +187% |
Current Salary
$220,274
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$276,236
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $220K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Austin, TX earns $187K–$230K/yr.