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 $100,000 and $186,500. That sits 32% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 58th percentile by listing volume in Sydney
💰 Lawyer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $186,500
Median: $125,000
Jun $150k
Jul $125k
↓ Trending down

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

Entry level $93,500 – $127,500
Mid level $100,000 – $178,000
Senior level $142,659 – $200,000
Overall $100k–$186k Entry $93k–$127k Mid $100k–$178k Senior $142k–$200k $90k $113k $136k $159k $182k $206k
Moderate confidence 38 listings · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 38 job listings for this role and city, 88.1% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 35.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 64.3% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $100,000 Median  $125,000 $186,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median fell $25,000 to $125,000, a 17% drop that puts Sydney behind Brisbane at $130,000 while listings held flat at 38. Sydney does show a full three-tier structure, with entry at $110,000 on 10 listings, mid at $125,000 on 18 and senior at $165,000 on 10, though each tier is thin. At 36% salary disclosure a fall this size should be read as a signal rather than a precise figure. Legal counsel roles in the same city pay $175,000.

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?
Entry listings run $93,000 to $127,000 with a median of $110,000, based on 10 listings, so the graduate band is measurable here. Practical Legal Training and admission are baseline, so practice area is the differentiator. Solicitor roles at $110,000 sit alongside the entry band.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $125,000 a lawyer earns 31.6% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,754 a week against high living costs. Brisbane pays $5,000 more at a far lower cost base after Sydney's 17% fall. Moving in-house to legal counsel at $175,000 is the clearest step up here.
How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Sydney?
Senior listings run $142,000 to $200,000 with a median of $165,000, from 10 listings. Special counsel, partnership track or a move in-house are the routes past the mid band. The $40,000 step from mid to senior median is meaningful, though both tiers rest on small samples.

Other roles in Sydney

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $125,000 0%
Brisbane $130,000 +4%
Melbourne $112,451 -10%

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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.