Are you planning to build an engineering career in Australia, and want to understand how much engineers earn?
With different industries offering varying pay scales, many graduates and professionals find it challenging to identify which engineering roles provide the best earning potential. This uncertainty often makes it difficult to plan a clear direction for long-term career growth.
In this guide, you will learn about average engineer salaries across different disciplines and key factors that influence engineers’ salaries.
Key Takeaways
- The average salary of an engineer in Australia is between AUD 70,000 and 160,000+ per year.
- Engineer salaries in Australia are influenced by several important factors, including experience level, location, engineering discipline, skills, industry demand, and the type of company.
- Engineers can increase their income by upskilling and gaining industry-relevant certifications to access higher-paying roles and opportunities.
What is the Average Engineer Salary in Australia?
The average engineer’s salary in Australia generally ranges between $70,000 to $160,000+ per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Since salary levels can vary significantly across engineering sectors, understanding these differences can help you make better career decisions.
Below is a breakdown of engineer salaries based on experience level, engineering field, and Australian state.
How Much Do Engineers Make in Australia by Experience Level?
Engineer salaries in Australia increase with experience, from entry-level to mid-level and senior roles. Graduate engineers usually earn around AUD 70,000–85,000 per year, while experienced engineers can earn up to AUD 160,000 or more per year, depending on their industry and role.
1. Entry-Level Engineer Salary
Entry-level engineers in Australia typically earn between AUD 70,000 and 85,000 per year. These positions are usually designed for recent graduates or professionals with less than two years of experience. Also, salary levels can vary based on your engineering discipline, academic qualifications, and the industry you join.
2. Mid-Level Engineer Salary
Mid-level engineers in Australia generally earn between AUD 90,000 and 140,000 annually. This stage usually includes professionals with around 3 to 7 years of experience who have developed strong technical and project skills.
3. Senior Engineer Salary
Senior engineers in Australia typically earn a base salary between AUD 120,000 and 160,000+ per annum. These professionals usually have 7+ years of experience, and are responsible for leading projects, supervising teams, and ensuring technical quality across complex engineering work.
How Much Do Engineers Earn in Australia by Field?
Engineer salaries in Australia differ across various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and other specialized areas. These salaries are influenced by industry demand, technical complexity, and career opportunities within each field.
1. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are among the highest-paid engineering jobs in Australia, earning around AUD 80,000 to 150,707 per annum. They are involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and public works.
2. Biomedical Engineer
The average salary of a biomedical engineer in Australia ranges from AUD 75,000 to 123,000 annually, depending on experience, industry sector, and technical specialization. They commonly work on medical devices such as diagnostic systems, prosthetics, imaging equipment, and patient monitoring technologies.
3. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers earn approximately AUD 70,000 – 108,915 per annum, depending on experience and sector. They are in high demand in power generation, renewable energy, telecommunications, and industrial automation.
4. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers generally earn between AUD 75,000 and 100,000 per year. They work in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, focusing on designing and maintaining mechanical systems. Those with strong technical expertise or experience in heavy industries can earn higher salaries.
5. Aeronautical Engineer
The average salary of an aeronautical engineer in Australia is around AUD 70,000 – 142,000 per year. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining aircraft and aviation systems. They usually work in sectors such as commercial aviation, defense, aircraft manufacturing, and aerospace research.
6. Software Engineer
Software engineers in Australia typically earn around AUD 80,000 to 120,692 per year. They work on designing, developing, and maintaining software systems, applications, and digital platforms across industries such as technology, fintech, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
7. Structural Engineer
Structural engineers in Australia earn around AUD 80,000 – 120,000 per annum. They play a key role in designing and assessing buildings, bridges, and large infrastructure projects.
8. Project Engineer
The average base salary of project engineers is typically between AUD 90,000 and 123,971 per annum. Their role involves managing engineering projects from planning to completion, coordinating teams, budgets, and timelines. With experience, they often move into senior project management roles, where salaries can increase significantly based on project scale and leadership responsibility.
9. Chemical Engineers
In Australia, chemical engineers typically earn between AUD 89,988 and 100,000 per year. These engineers work in industries such as oil and gas, mining, pharmaceuticals, food processing, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
10. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers in Australia earn an average of AUD 90,000 – 157,000 per annum, depending on their experience, technical skills, and the complexity of oil and gas projects they handle. They work in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources, focusing on improving drilling efficiency, safety, and overall production performance.
How Much Do Engineers Earn in Australia by State?
Engineer salaries in Australia vary by state, with an average range of AUD 70,000 to 160,000+ per year. This variation is due to differences in demand, cost of living, and the presence of major industries such as mining, infrastructure, and technology projects.
1. New South Wales (NSW)
Engineers in NSW typically earn around AUD $99,947 to 150,000 annually. Sydney offers many opportunities in construction, infrastructure, and technology, with higher salaries for experienced professionals in large projects.
2. Victoria (VIC)
In Victoria, engineers earn about AUD 96,318 to 145,000 per year. Melbourne has strong demand in civil, structural, and software engineering, especially in urban development and public infrastructure projects.
3. Queensland (QLD)
Engineers in Queensland earn between AUD 90,000 and 160,000 per annum. The state has strong demand in mining, energy, and construction, which often leads to higher salaries, especially in regional and resource-heavy areas.
4. Tasmania (TAS)
The average base salary of engineers in Tasmania is between AUD 82,000 and 130,000 per year. The state offers opportunities in civil engineering, energy, and environmental projects, and has a lower cost of living, making it a suitable choice for engineers seeking stable careers and a comfortable lifestyle.
Comparison Table: Engineer Salary in Australia by Role & Experience
Here is the comparison of engineer salaries in Australia by role and experience level, including entry-level, mid-level, and senior positions.
| Engineering Role | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | Senior (7+ yrs) |
| Civil Engineer | AUD 65,000–85,000 | AUD 85,000–115,000 | AUD 120,000+ |
| Mechanical Engineer | AUD 70,000–80,000 | AUD 80,000–100,000 | AUD 110,000+ |
| Electrical Engineer | AUD 75,000–85,000 | AUD 85,000–100,000 | AUD 110,000+ |
| Software Engineer | AUD 80,000–100,000 | AUD 100,000–120,000 | AUD 130,000+ |
| Structural Engineer | AUD 80,000–90,000 | AUD 90,000–115,000 | AUD 122,000+ |
| Chemical Engineer | AUD 70,000–85,000 | AUD 85,000–100,000 | AUD 115,000+ |
| Aeronautical Engineer | AUD 75,000–100,000 | AUD 100,000–130,000 | AUD 150,000+ |
| Biomedical Engineer | AUD 70,000–85,000 | AUD 85,000–105,000 | AUD 125,000+ |
| Project Engineer | AUD 70,000–90,000 | AUD 90,000–105,000 | AUD 125,000+ |
| Petroleum Engineer | AUD 90,000–110,000 | AUD 110,000–130,000 | AUD 140,000+ |
Factors That Affect Engineer Salaries in Australia
The factors that affect engineer salaries in Australia include experience level, engineering discipline, location, industry demand, skills, and the type of company.
- Experience level: Salaries increase significantly with experience, from entry-level roles to senior and lead engineering positions.
- Location (State/City): Pay varies across Australia, with higher salaries in states like New South Wales and Western Australia due to strong industry demand.
- Industry Type: Mining, oil & gas, infrastructure, and technology sectors generally offer higher salaries compared to other industries.
- Education and Qualifications: Higher qualifications and professional certifications can improve job opportunities and salary growth.
- Company Size and Project Scale: Large companies and complex projects usually offer better pay and benefits.
- Permanent vs Contract Roles: Contract engineers often earn higher hourly rates, while permanent roles provide stable income, benefits, and long-term career growth.
Want to become a registered engineer and boost your career opportunities in Australia? Read our full guide: Benefits of Being a Registered Engineer in NER.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Migrant Engineers Earn Well in Australia?
Yes, migrant engineers in Australia can earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 160,000+ per year. Salaries depend on experience, skills, engineering discipline, and location. Mining, infrastructure, and technology roles may offer higher earning potential.
2. What Are the Top Three Highest-Paid Engineering Jobs in Australia?
Petroleum, aeronautical, and software engineering are among Australia’s highest-paid engineering fields. Senior salaries depend on experience, location, technical expertise, and industry demand.
3. Do Higher Education and Certifications Increase Engineer Salaries?
Yes, advanced education and recognised certifications can increase an engineer’s earning potential. These qualifications can support access to specialised roles, leadership positions, and higher-paying industries.
