Lawyer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Lawyers in Sydney earn a median salary of $125,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $78,500 and $175,650. That sits 38% above Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 29 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 48th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -8 listings vs last month
💰 Lawyer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$78,500 – $175,650
Median: $125,000
Apr $130k
May $125k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $101,508 – $169,126
Overall $78k–$175k Mid $101k–$169k $76k $97k $118k $139k $159k $180k
⚠ Low confidence 29 listings (-8 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $78,500 Median  $125,000 $175,650  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney Lawyers earned $125,000 at the median in May, down $5,000 from April, with 29 listings (down 8). The very wide spread of 77.7% is the defining characteristic: the floor at $101,508 captures junior admitted solicitors at boutique or suburban practices, while the $169,126 ceiling reflects corporate and commercial lawyers at major Sydney firms. Both ends are common in the Sydney market, and the median does not describe any single type of practice well. The salary gradient between a five-year corporate lawyer and a five-year family law practitioner at a smaller firm can be $60,000 at the same experience level.

Take Home Pay (based on median $125,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,754
Monthly (net)
~$7,599
Annual (net)
~$91,183
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $139,375

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Lawyer in Sydney?
Junior Lawyers in Sydney earn from $101,508 at the p10. This floor is notably higher than Melbourne's ($87,000), reflecting Sydney's stronger concentration of large commercial practices and higher first-year solicitor salaries at Tier 1 and Tier 2 firms. Reaching the $125,000 median typically requires four to six years of post-admission experience in a commercial practice area.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $125,000, a Sydney Lawyer earns 37.8% above the city's all-roles median. However, Sydney is Australia's most expensive city, and law graduates carry substantial study debt. The take-home value of $125,000 is real but not exceptional in Sydney's cost context. The $169,126 ceiling is where the role becomes genuinely comfortable, and reaching it requires specialisation, performance-based recognition, or a move to in-house at a major corporate.
How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Sydney?
Senior Lawyers in Sydney reach $169,126 at the p90, based on current listings. These roles are concentrated in corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, major disputes, or senior in-house counsel positions. Beyond the listed market, partnership income and senior in-house packages extend well above $200,000, but these are typically not captured in Seek listings.

Other roles in Sydney

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $125,000 —
Melbourne $108,040 -14%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.