Solicitor Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Solicitors in Sydney earn a median salary of $110,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $74,000 and $160,000. That sits 21% above Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 27 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 44th percentile by listing volume in Sydney
💰 Solicitor · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$74,000 – $160,000
Median: $110,000
Mid level $87,000 – $149,000
Overall $74k–$160k Mid $87k–$149k $71k $90k $108k $127k $146k $164k
⚠ Low confidence 27 listings · 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%  $74,000 Median  $110,000 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Solicitors in Sydney earned $110,000 at the median in May, with 27 listings and no prior month comparison available. At 21.2% above Sydney's all-roles median, the role earns a clear professional premium. The wide 78% spread ($87,000-$149,000) reflects the gap between junior solicitors at boutique or specialised practices and senior solicitors at commercial firms or with in-house appointments. The title 'Solicitor' in Australia is typically distinct from the 'Lawyer' classification in this dataset: Solicitors tend to be admitted practitioners at mid-level rather than newly admitted or very senior levels.

Take Home Pay (based on median $110,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,569
Monthly (net)
~$6,799
Annual (net)
~$81,583
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $122,650

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 Solicitor in Sydney?
Solicitors starting in Sydney earn around $87,000 at the p10. This floor captures admitted solicitors at smaller practices or those in early-career roles in criminal, family, or personal injury law. Reaching the $110,000 median requires three to six years of post-admission experience in a defined commercial or litigation practice area.
Is $110,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $110,000, a Sydney Solicitor earns 21.2% above the city's all-roles median. The premium is real but modest given the qualification pathway. Sydney's cost of living is high, and the gap between the $87,000 floor and the $110,000 median reflects the real variation in how different areas of law and firm types compensate solicitors at similar experience levels.
How much does a Senior Solicitor make in Sydney?
Experienced Solicitors in Sydney reach $149,000 at the p90. Senior solicitors at commercial firms, government legal practices, or in-house roles at major corporations earn at this level. Above $149,000, the distinction between Senior Solicitor and Senior Associate or Senior Counsel level becomes relevant, with specialist advisory practices and in-house senior counsel roles typically earning $170,000-$200,000 base.

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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.