Lawyer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Lawyers in Sydney earn a median salary of $150,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $93,500 and $200,000. That sits 58% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 59th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +9 listings vs last month
💰 Lawyer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$93,500 – $200,000
Median: $150,000
May $125k
Jun $150k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $115,000 – $175,000
Senior level $136,589 – $200,000
Overall $93k–$200k Mid $115k–$175k Senior $136k–$200k $90k $113k $136k $159k $182k $206k
Moderate confidence 38 listings (+9 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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.

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Bottom 10%  $93,500 Median  $150,000 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney lawyer pay jumped $25,000 this month, from $125,000 to $150,000, the largest dollar move in the batch, alongside hiring rising from 29 to 38 listings. At $150k the median runs 58% above the city's $95k all-roles figure and leads Brisbane and Melbourne (both $125k) by a clear margin. The role splits by seniority, $140k at mid-level against $160k for seniors, and the sharp upward trend suggests firms are competing harder for qualified lawyers.

Take Home Pay (based on median $150,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,047
Monthly (net)
~$8,869
Annual (net)
~$106,433
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $167,250

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?
Lawyer is a post-admission role, so the data starts at the mid band (median $140k) rather than graduate level. A newly admitted solicitor sits below that, and the lift comes from practice area and firm tier: corporate, banking, and litigation at top-tier firms pay well above in-house or suburban practice. Billable performance and a specialised practice group are what move a junior lawyer up toward the mid-band median.
Is $150,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $150k the median earns 58% above Sydney's all-roles median and nets roughly $106,400 after tax, comfortable even in an expensive city, and the $25k jump this month makes it stronger still. For a qualified professional role this is clearly good pay. The context: law demands a degree, admission, and long hours, so the premium reflects real barriers to entry rather than easy money.
How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Sydney?
Senior lawyers in Sydney earn a median of $160k, with the band reaching $200k. Getting there means building a practice area and a client following, moving toward Special Counsel or partnership track, or stepping into a Legal Counsel role (median $200k in Sydney) in-house. A recognised specialisation and responsibility for matters end to end, not just supporting partners, are what lift pay into the senior band.

Other roles in Sydney

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $150,000 —
Brisbane $125,000 -17%
Melbourne $125,000 -17%

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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.