Austin vs San Antonio: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,537▲ | $144,161 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.18▲ | $69.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,938 | $89,142▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,186 | $111,568▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $230,905▲ | $214,049 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $378,061▲ | $342,662 |
| Total Employed | 7,540▲ | 4,020 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Austin and San Antonio is $16,376 (11.36%). Austin's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $290,123,San Antonio spans $253,520. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($163,703 effective) pays 7.56% more than San Antonio ($152,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($378,061)
- ✓Larger job market (7,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,703)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Austin grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Austin, TX
$115,630 (2019) → $153,330 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$108,810 (2019) → $137,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Austin or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Austin to San Antonio as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Austin vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov