Many graduates are concerned about their future earnings as software engineers in Australia. The graduate software engineer salary in Australia is expected to increase by 15% in 2025.
This guide presents specific salary ranges for new software engineers across major Australian cities. Our data is derived from actual job offers and current market trends to assist you in planning your career path.
Key Takeaways
- Graduate software engineer salaries will rise 15% in 2025, with ICT sector jobs paying $128,060 yearly.
- Sydney leads with the highest starting pay of $120,000, while Brisbane follows at $110,000 per year.
- Government roles offer $114,116 yearly, and Engineering positions start at $111,118 including super.
- Top tech firms give better pay in Sydney and Melbourne to attract fresh talent.
- Skills in machine learning, past work experience, and company size affect starting wages for new engineers.
Average Graduate Software Engineer Salary in Australia in 2025
Graduate software engineers in Australia receive competitive starting salaries across various sectors. Recent data indicates Information & Communication Technology leads with $128,060 per year from 1,753 job openings.
Government roles offer $114,116 yearly, while Engineering positions start at $111,118. These figures include base pay plus super. Leading tech firms provide higher compensation to attract new talent in Sydney and Melbourne.
Salary packages vary based on skills and location. Software engineers with machine learning expertise often receive higher pay. Major cities like Sydney offer higher salaries than smaller towns due to living costs.
Most graduate roles include bonus schemes, profit sharing, and learning budgets. Tech giants and fintech firms typically offer the most attractive total packages to new graduates. Base salaries remain competitive as companies compete for skilled developers.
Salary Variations by Australian Cities
Salary ranges for software engineering graduates differ across Australian cities in 2025. Major economic hubs offer higher pay rates due to living costs and market demand.
| City | Annual Salary (AUD) | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $120,000 | Highest paying city |
| Brisbane | $110,000 | Second highest |
| Canberra | $105,000 | Mid-range market |
| Newcastle-Maitland-Hunter | $105,000 | Mid-range market |
| Perth | $105,000 | Mid-range market |
| Adelaide | $100,000 | Entry-level market |
Sydney tops the list with the highest starting salaries. Tech firms in the harbour city offer $120,000 yearly packages. Brisbane follows at $110,000 per year. Three cities – Canberra, Newcastle-Maitland-Hunter region, and Perth – share the same salary band of $105,000. Adelaide offers entry-level positions at $100,000 annually. Local market conditions influence these variations. Different cities present distinct opportunities based on their tech ecosystems.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp-unKlCRAM
Factors Influencing Graduate Software Engineer Salaries in 2025
Many factors influence graduate software engineer pay rates in Australia. Tech companies consider specific elements when setting starting wages for new engineers.
- Location significantly affects pay, with Sydney software engineers earning more than other cities due to higher living costs.
- Company size influences wages, as large firms like Google and Boeing Defence Australia often pay more than small startups.
- Skills in top tech tools increase pay rates, with experts in popular coding languages earning higher starting wages.
- Education level is considered, as graduates from top Australian tech schools often start at higher pay grades.
- Past work experience through internships or part-time jobs can increase starting pay above base rates.
- Industry type is relevant, with fintech and defence companies like Lockheed Martin paying more than standard web firms.
- Contract type affects total pay, as full-time roles often include more benefits than temporary positions.
- Job role scope impacts wages, with full-stack developers typically earning more than single-focus roles.
- Market demand in 2025 will increase wages in areas with fewer qualified engineers.
- Performance during interviews and technical tests can result in higher starting offers.
- Project complexity level sets pay grades, with harder tasks earning more money.
- Company budget limits affect new hire wages, even at large tech firms.
- Economic conditions in Australia influence industry-wide pay rates for new engineers.
- Competition from other companies requires employers to match or exceed market rates.
- Superannuation benefits vary between companies, affecting total compensation packages.
Conclusion
Graduate software engineers in Australia will experience positive job prospects in 2025. The expanding tech sector provides competitive starting salaries ranging from AU$75,000 to AU$95,000 annually.
Sydney offers the highest pay rates, with other major cities demonstrating consistent growth in tech employment opportunities. Graduates who strategically choose their location and develop essential skills can rapidly increase their earning potential.
Success as a new software engineer relies on combining technical expertise with professional competencies.
FAQs
1. What’s the average salary for a graduate software engineer in Australia?
The average salary for a graduate software engineer depends on location. In Sydney, the base salary starts at $75,000. Big companies like Deloitte and Ernst & Young often pay more. The total pay includes both cash and additional benefits.
2. How do salaries differ between popular companies for a graduate software engineer?
Popular companies for graduate software engineers offer different pay rates. The Big Four accounting firms pay well, but tech companies might pay more. Your income can grow with promotions after 2 years.
3. Do software engineer employees share their salaries anonymously?
Yes! Many software engineers post their salaries anonymously on Glassdoor. These recent salaries shared help others know fair pay rates. The estimated total pay data available comes from real workers.
4. What affects the starting salary of graduate software engineers?
Your starting salary can depend on many things. Your skills, the company size, and location matter most. Sydney jobs often pay more than other cities. Some roles include commission or insurance benefits.
5. How long until I can earn more as a graduate software engineer?
Most engineers see good pay growth after 6 months. You don’t need to worry – with experience, you can move up to roles like product manager. Many get their first promotion within 2 years.
6. What’s the most likely salary range for graduate software engineers?
Based on salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor, most graduates earn between $65,000 and $85,000. The median pay varies by company. Some consultants earn more with additional pay and benefits.
