EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$197,557/yr
Typical range: $175,237 – $210,301
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Systems 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 | $100,210 | $8,351 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,683 | $10,140 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $135,999 | $11,333 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,037 | $12,836 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $197,557 | $16,463 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $231,914 | $19,326 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $240,504 | $20,042 | +140% |
Current Salary
$197,557
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$231,914
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $198K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $198K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $95/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Austin, TX earns $175K–$210K/yr.