Legal Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Lawyer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median lawyer salary in Austin, TX is $142,527 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$142,527
vs State Avg
+$17,646
vs National
+$6,787
Cost of Living
105%

Lawyer Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median lawyer salary of $142,527, which is $17,646 above the Texas state average of $124,881. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for lawyers in Austin spans from $68,250 at the 10th percentile to $251,160 at the 90th percentile — a $182,910 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,500, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Lawyer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level lawyer earns around $73,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,900
+$6,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $68,250
25th Percentile $89,250
Median (50th) $142,527
75th Percentile $195,300
90th Percentile $251,160

Lawyer Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Austin

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Austin

Browse open lawyer positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Austin

How much does a Lawyer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Austin, Texas is $142,527 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $68,250 (10th percentile) to $251,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,527, a lawyer in Austin earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Austin's median lawyer salary of $142,527 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $124,881. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $142,527 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Austin? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Austin require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.