Many software engineers in Australia are curious about their future earnings. The average software engineer salary Australia is expected to increase by 2025. This article provides key insights on salaries for 2025.
Would you like to know more?
Key Takeaways
- Software engineers in Australia will earn an average of $125,000 per year in 2025.
- Top earners can make up to $174,095 annually, while entry-level salaries start at $100,000.
- Sydney offers the highest pay at $116,250 per year, followed by Adelaide at $110,000.
- The Information & Communication Technology sector pays the most, with an average salary of $128,060.
- Salaries have grown steadily at 5% per year from 2022 to 2025, reflecting high demand for tech skills.

Average Software Engineer Salary in Australia 2025

Software engineers in Australia can expect good pay in 2025. The average salary will be $125,000 per year or $64.10 per hour. This equates to $10,417 per month, $5,208 every two weeks, or $2,404 weekly.
Pay can vary based on skills and location. The lowest salary is $100,000, while top earners make up to $174,095. For daily rates, software engineers earn about $481. These figures indicate that coding careers offer strong income potential in Australia’s tech sector.
Salary Range by Experience Level
Software engineer salaries in Australia differ according to experience. Junior engineers typically receive lower pay compared to experienced senior engineers who have worked in the field for many years.
Senior Software Engineer Salary in Sydney
Senior software engineers in Sydney receive high compensation. In 2025, their average salary is $116,250 per year. This substantial wage reflects the strong demand for skilled tech talent in Australia’s largest city.
Sydney’s thriving tech scene and global companies increase salaries for experienced coders.
Pay can differ based on skills and employer. Fintech firms and big tech often provide the best packages. Perks like stock options and bonuses can increase total pay further. Senior engineers with niche skills or leadership roles may earn significantly above the average.
Top Industries for Software Engineer Salaries
Information & Communication Technology is the top-paying sector for software engineers in Australia. This industry has 1,093 job openings and offers an average salary of $128,060. Government & Defence is the second-highest paying sector, with an average salary of $114,116 and 100 job openings.
Engineering follows with an average salary of $111,118 and 100 jobs available. Education & Training is the fourth highest-paying sector, offering $102,629 with 61 openings. These figures indicate that tech-focused industries offer the highest salaries for software skills.
The highest paying locations in Australia for software engineers are worth examining.
Highest Paying Locations in Australia
Top industries for software engineers result in high-paying jobs in key cities. Sydney leads for software engineer salaries in Australia. The average pay in Sydney is $116,250 per year.
Adelaide follows closely with $110,000 yearly. Perth ranks third, offering $106,029 on average.
The Gold Coast and Canberra also offer good pay for software professionals. They provide $104,999 and $102,657 per year, respectively. Melbourne and Newcastle tie at $102,500 yearly.
Brisbane completes the list with $101,249 per annum. These figures indicate that software engineers can earn well across Australia’s major cities.
Supplementary insights on Software Engineer Salary
We provide additional information about software engineer compensation in Australia. This includes details on salary progression, related positions, and strategies to increase your earnings. Continue reading to discover more.
Comparison of Salary Growth from 2022 to 2025
Software engineer salaries in Australia have grown steadily from 2022 to 2025. This trend reflects the high demand for skilled tech professionals across various industries.
Year | Average Salary (AUD) | Growth Rate |
---|---|---|
2022 | 110,000 | – |
2023 | 115,500 | 5% |
2024 | 121,275 | 5% |
2025 | 127,339 | 5% |
The table shows a steady 5% yearly growth in average salaries. This rise is due to:
– Shortage of skilled software engineers
– Rising cost of living in major cities
– Increased competition among employers
Top-paying industries like finance and healthcare have seen even higher growth rates. Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne lead in salary increases. Remote work options have also pushed salaries up as firms compete for talent nationwide.
SoftwareEngineerSalary.com data shows that junior roles have seen the most growth. This trend aims to attract new talent to the field. Senior roles continue to command premium pay rates, especially in specialised areas like AI and cybersecurity.
Exploring Related Careers and Salaries
Software engineering offers many related career paths. These roles often have competitive salaries and similar skill requirements.
- Solution Architects earn an average of $155,000 per year in Australia. They design and plan large-scale software systems.
- .NET Developers make around $135,000 annually. They build applications using Microsoft’s .NET framework.
- Java Developers typically earn $133,051 per year. They create software using the Java programming language.
- Program Managers have an average salary of $127,126. They oversee multiple projects and teams.
- System Engineers earn about $125,000 annually. They design and manage complex IT systems.
- Network Engineers make $116,863 on average. They set up and maintain computer networks.
- Business Analysts earn $113,261 per year. They connect IT and business needs.
- Developers have an average salary of $112,228. This broad term covers various programming roles.
- These salaries indicate the value of tech skills in today’s job market. Transitioning between these roles can advance your career and income.
Tips for Maximising Your Salary as a Software Engineer
Software engineers can increase their earnings with strategic career decisions. Here are key tips to help boost your salary:
- Acquire skills in AI and cloud computing
- Obtain certifications in popular programming languages
- Take leadership roles in projects
- Connect with other tech professionals
- Negotiate your salary and benefits package
- Change companies periodically for salary increases
- Focus on a high-paying niche like cybersecurity
- Work for leading tech firms that offer higher salaries
- Gain experience through side projects or freelancing
- Stay current with industry trends and new technologies
- Request regular performance reviews and raises
- Enhance your soft skills like communication
- Seek guidance from senior engineers
- Consider relocating to high-paying cities like Sydney
- Develop a strong online presence and portfolio
Comparison Table: Salary by Experience Level, Industry, and Location
Software engineer salaries in Australia vary based on experience, industry, and location. Here’s a comparison table highlighting these differences:
Category | Details | Salary Range (AUD) |
---|---|---|
Experience Level | Entry-level | 100,000+ |
Mid-level | 110,000 – 140,000 | |
Experienced | Up to 174,095 | |
Industry | Information & Communication Technology | 128,060 |
Government & Defence | 114,116 | |
Engineering | 111,118 | |
Education & Training | 102,629 | |
Location | Sydney | 116,250 |
Adelaide | 110,000 | |
Perth | 106,029 | |
Gold Coast | 104,999 | |
Canberra | 102,657 | |
Melbourne | 102,500 | |
Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter | 102,500 | |
Brisbane | 101,249 |
This table shows the impact of various factors on software engineer salaries in Australia. We will now explore tips for boosting your salary in this field.
Conclusion
Software engineer salaries in Australia are expected to increase by 2025. The average annual pay will reach $125,000. The highest earners may receive up to $174,095 per year. Pay rates are significantly influenced by location and industry.
Sydney and the technology sector provide the highest wages. This information can assist engineers in planning their career paths and increasing their income potential.
FAQs
1. What’s the expected average salary for Aussie software engineers in 2025?
Projections show software engineer wages in Australia hitting $120,000 to $150,000 yearly by 2025. Top coders in Sydney and Melbourne might earn more.
2. Which cities offer the best pay for programmers?
Sydney and Melbourne lead the pack for developer salaries. Brisbane and Perth follow close behind. Smaller cities typically offer lower wages but have lower living costs.
3. How does experience affect a coder’s pay in Australia?
Experience greatly impacts earnings. Junior devs might start around $70,000, while seniors with 5+ years could earn $130,000+. Tech leads and architects can make $180,000 or more.
4. Are certain programming skills more valuable in the Aussie job market?
Yes, some skills boost pay. AI, machine learning, and cloud computing expertise are in high demand. Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript also increases earning potential.