The new survey, released by global recruitment website Twosteps.com, reveals non-partner lawyers with nine years PQE in Australia can expect to earn between $85,000 and $190,000 in local firms, and between $90,000 and $250,000 working in large national and international firms. 

The survey reveals that by 9 years PQE, 50 per cent of lawyers are partners, with others being in senior roles. Partner or non-partner, though, lawyers at this level working in large national or international law firms are working 60 hour weeks. 

Most people working in smaller nationals are working about 50 hours a week, according to the results. 

"There are, however, some very keen lawyers working up to 70 hours in local, national and international firms," the writers claim. 

However half of participants still don’t feel they earn enough for their role. This year around 80 per cent of people didn’t receive a bonus for the work they did in 2010. 

Those who received a bonus,received less than 10 per cent of their salary worth. 

The survey shows that annual holiday allocation opened up to 20-25 days, with a few having more than 25 days. 

At the 9 years PQE level, as well, there is no major change in benefits or increase on alternative incentives such as childcare benefits or healthcare.