Dallas vs Austin: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Dallas, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,430▲ | $160,537 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.83▲ | $77.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,184 | $87,938▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,925 | $110,186▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $237,742▲ | $230,905 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $363,581 | $378,061▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 7,540 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Dallas and Austin is $15,893 (9.90%). Dallas's median is +5.54% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $278,397,Austin spans $290,123. Austin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($171,142 effective) pays 4.54% more than Austin ($163,703 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,430/year)
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,142)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($378,061)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Dallas grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Austin over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$129,840 (2019) → $168,510 (2025)
Austin, TX
$115,630 (2019) → $153,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Austin, 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