Software Engineer Salary in Australia
Technology • All 12 Major Cities
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.
Job Market Outlook
Knowledge work with significant AI applicability
More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia
Strong projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Software Engineer Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $132,000 | $97,322 |
| 2CanberraACT | $129,600 | $95,720 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $126,000 | $93,317 |
| 4DarwinNT | $126,000 | $93,317 |
| 5PerthWA | $122,400 | $90,914 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $114,000 | $85,307 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $110,400 | $82,904 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $108,000 | $81,572 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $105,600 | $79,964 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $105,600 | $79,964 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $104,400 | $79,160 |
| 12HobartTAS | $102,000 | $77,552 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Engineer earn in Australia?
The average Software Engineer salary in Australia is $115,500 per year, or approximately $58 per hour. Salaries typically range from $63,750 for entry-level positions to $198,000 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer?
A Software Engineer earning the average salary of $115,500 takes home approximately $86,309 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $7,192 per month.
Where do Software Engineers earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Software Engineer salaries at $132,000 on average, followed by Canberra at $129,600.
Is Software Engineer a good career in Australia?
Software Engineer is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $115,500 is above the national median.
How much do Software Engineers make per hour?
Software Engineers earn approximately $58 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $32 for entry-level positions to $100 for experienced professionals.
About Software Engineer Salaries in Australia
The average Software Engineer salary in Australia is $115,500 per year, or approximately $58 per hour. Salaries range from $63,750 for entry-level positions to $198,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Software Engineer salary at $132,000, while Hobart has the lowest at $102,000.
After tax, a Software Engineer earning the average salary takes home $86,309 per year, or $7,192 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Software Engineer Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $63,750, while senior roles can reach $198,000.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Software Engineer roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.