How much does a Software Engineer earn in Australia?

The average software engineer salary in Australia is about $125,000 per year. Entry-level roles typically start around $80,000, mid-career sits near $120,000, and senior positions reach $165,000. The full range across the country runs from roughly $70,000 to $200,000.

How much do software engineers earn in Perth and WA?

Perth salaries typically run 10-15% below Sydney and Melbourne, but resources-sector technology roles at Woodside, BHP and Rio Tinto close much of that gap and offer strong stability.

What qualifications do you need to be a software engineer?

Most employers expect a Computer Science or Software Engineering degree, but demonstrable skills and a portfolio are widely accepted. There is no licensing requirement.

Is software engineer a good career in Australia?

Demand is currently rated high with strong growth expected. Perth salaries typically run 10-15% below Sydney and Melbourne, but resources-sector technology roles at Woodside, BHP and Rio Tinto close much of that gap and offer strong stability.

Software Engineer Salary in Australia

Comprehensive salary information for Software Engineer positions in Australia, Western Australia

Average Software Engineer Salary

$125,000 / year

Salary Range: $70,000 - $200,000

Industry: Technology

Market Demand: High

Growth Rate: Strong growth

Remote Work: Not typically available

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Salary Range
Entry Level (0-2 years)	$80,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)	$120,000
Senior Level (6+ years)	$165,000

Skills That Increase Your Software Engineer Salary

The following skills are highly valued and can significantly impact your earning potential:

JavaScript and TypeScript
Python
Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
CI/CD
System design

Valuable Certifications

These certifications can help you command a higher salary:

Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent
AWS or Azure certifications
No mandatory licence

How to Increase Your Software Engineer Salary

Gain relevant certifications and qualifications
Develop in-demand skills (see list above)
Gain more years of experience in the field
Consider specializing in high-demand areas
Negotiate effectively during job offers
Stay updated with industry trends and technologies

Current Software Engineer Jobs in Australia

Showing 10 current Software Engineer opportunities:

Electrical Engineer I

Gilmour Space Technologies 📍 Yatala, Gold Coast North Full-time, Permanent

All Orbits, All Planets - Join us on our journey Gilmour Space is a leading Australian space company, developing launch vehicles, satellite platforms, advanced propulsion technologies; and launching f...

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Senior Testing & Operations Engineer

Gilmour Space Technologies 📍 Bowen, Whitsundays Area Full-time, Permanent

All Orbits, All Planets - Join us on our journey Gilmour Space is the leading Australian rocket company, pioneering next-generation hybrid propulsion technologies for small satellite launch vehicles. ...

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Testing & Operations Engineer II

Gilmour Space Technologies 📍 Bowen, Whitsundays Area Full-time, Permanent

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Flight Software Engineer II

Gilmour Space Technologies 📍 Yatala, Gold Coast North Full-time, Permanent

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Engineering Manager, Machines4U

Carsales 📍 Gold Coast Region, Queensland Full-time

Company Description Are you ready to be a big part of something big? At Machines4U machinery part of carsales, we’re all about making buying and selling a great experience. We’ve been evolving with th...

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Engineering Manager, Machines4U

Carsales 📍 South Yarra, Stonnington Area Full-time

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Senior AI Solutions Analyst

Medibank 📍 West Melbourne, Melbourne Full-time

You’re only human. It’s a strange thing to say, because us humans are capable of incredible things. And at Medibank, we know our greatest potential lies in the people who work with us. We strive to ma...

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Engineering Manager, Machines4U

Carsales 📍 The Rocks, Sydney Full-time

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Engineering Team Lead

Carsales 📍 South Yarra, Stonnington Area Full-time

Company Description Are you ready to be a big part of something big? At carsales, we’re all about making buying and selling a great experience. Since 1997, we’ve been evolving with the new economy to ...

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Production Engineering Manager

Canva 📍 South Yarra, Stonnington Area Full-time

Description Hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte! Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll ...

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Related Technology Salaries

Frequently Asked Questions About Software Engineer Salaries

How much does a Software Engineer earn in Australia?: The average software engineer salary in Australia is about $125,000 per year. Entry-level roles typically start around $80,000, mid-career sits near $120,000, and senior positions reach $165,000. The full range across the country runs from roughly $70,000 to $200,000.
How much do software engineers earn in Perth and WA?: Perth salaries typically run 10-15% below Sydney and Melbourne, but resources-sector technology roles at Woodside, BHP and Rio Tinto close much of that gap and offer strong stability.
What qualifications do you need to be a software engineer?: Most employers expect a Computer Science or Software Engineering degree, but demonstrable skills and a portfolio are widely accepted. There is no licensing requirement.
Is software engineer a good career in Australia?: Demand is currently rated high with strong growth expected. Perth salaries typically run 10-15% below Sydney and Melbourne, but resources-sector technology roles at Woodside, BHP and Rio Tinto close much of that gap and offer strong stability.