Solicitor Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Solicitors in Sydney earn a median salary of $122,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $81,500 and $165,328. That sits 29% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 24 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 26th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -3 listings vs last month
💰 Solicitor · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$81,500 – $165,328
Median: $122,500
May $110k
Jun $122k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $85,000 – $134,000
Overall $81k–$165k Mid $85k–$134k $79k $97k $115k $133k $152k $170k
⚠ Low confidence 24 listings (-3 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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $81,500 Median  $122,500 $165,328  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Solicitor pay in Sydney rose $12,500 this month to $122,500, a strong gain, and the role sits 29% above the city median. The mid band medians at $115k, so the overall figure is lifted by more senior postings. With 24 listings, treat the month-on-month move as directional. The related roles map the ladder cleanly: Lawyer ($150k) and Legal Counsel ($200k) sit above.

Take Home Pay (based on median $122,500)

Weekly (net)
~$1,724
Monthly (net)
~$7,472
Annual (net)
~$89,658
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $136,587

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?
Newly-admitted solicitors in Sydney start near the $81,500 p10, moving toward the $115k mid median with post-admission experience. The specific levers are the practice area and firm tier: corporate, banking and litigation at a top-tier or mid-tier firm pay well above high-street practice. A few years of post-admission experience in a sought-after area is what lifts pay fastest.
Is $122,500 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $122,500 the median earns 29% above Sydney's $95k all-roles median and nets about $90k after tax, strong for a professional role, and pay just jumped $12,500. The range is wide because firm tier and practice area matter enormously. Corporate and finance-law roles sit well above the median, high-street work below it.
How much does a Senior Solicitor make in Sydney?
There is no formal senior band in this sample, so the $165,328 p90 reflects experienced practitioners rather than a grade. Progression runs through the clear ladder in this data: Lawyer ($150k) then Legal Counsel ($200k), or senior-associate and partner tracks. A specialist practice area and moving in-house or toward partnership are what unlock the top.

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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.