Austin vs Sugar Land: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Austin, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,537▲ | $135,539 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.18▲ | $65.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,938▲ | $78,613 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,186▲ | $97,589 |
| 75th Percentile | $230,905▲ | $173,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $378,061▲ | $210,086 |
| Total Employed | 7,540▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sugar Land.
The salary gap between Austin and Sugar Land is $24,998 (18.44%). 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,Sugar Land spans $131,473. 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 15.95% more than Sugar Land ($141,186 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 Sugar Land 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 -12.7% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
Austin, TX
$115,630 (2019) → $153,330 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$148,370 (2024) → $129,455 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Sugar Land, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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