Software Engineer Salary in Australia (2025): Real Numbers from Top Tech Companies
In 2025, software engineers in Australia will earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 180,000 per year.
According to recent reports, the average salary is around AUD 121,000, and with bonuses or stock options, the total yearly pay often goes up to AUD 150,000 or more.
Top earners can even make over AUD 215,000 annually, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
This guide by Cross Border explains real 2025 salary data for software engineers working at Australia’s leading tech companies.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Australia
In 2025, the average salary for software engineers is around AUD 128,000 per year, including an average bonus of AUD 14,800.
Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer the highest pay, mainly in fields like AI, fintech, and cloud computing.
Salary Breakdown
- Base Salary: AUD 121,000
- Bonus: AUD 14,800
- Total Pay: AUD 151,800
Engineers working in AI, cybersecurity, or cloud earn about 20–30% more than regular software developers.
Salary Range by Experience Level
|
Experience Level |
Salary Range (AUD) |
|
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) |
72,000 – 88,000 |
|
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) |
95,000 – 125,000 |
|
Senior-Level (6–9 yrs) |
130,000 – 170,000 |
|
Principal/Lead Engineer |
175,000 – 220,000 |
At big companies like Atlassian and Canva, some top engineers earn over AUD 250,000, especially when stock bonuses are included.
Monthly and Hourly Pay
- Monthly: ~AUD 10,700 before taxes
- Weekly: ~AUD 2,470
- Hourly: ~AUD 61.75
Senior engineers at top levels earn around AUD 13,750 per month.
Salary Growth in 2025
Salaries for software engineers in Australia rose by 3.8% in 2025, which is faster than inflation.
The biggest salary growth was seen among mid-level professionals in fintech and product development.
Why Experience Matters
Your experience level is the biggest factor in determining your salary.
A software engineer’s pay can double from entry level to senior level.
Entry-Level Software Engineer Salary (0–2 years)
Fresh graduates earn AUD 72,000 – AUD 88,000.
Top companies like Atlassian and Canva start around AUD 85,000 – AUD 90,000, with yearly performance bonuses.
Mid-Level Software Engineer Salary (3–5 years)
Mid-level engineers earn between AUD 95,000 and AUD 125,000, averaging AUD 110,000.
They handle complex systems and lead small project teams.
Senior Software Engineer Salary (6–9 years)
Senior engineers earn between AUD 130,000 and AUD 170,000, with some making up to AUD 190,000 at major firms like Canva and WiseTech Global.
Principal and Lead Engineer Salary
Principal engineers earn around AUD 210,000, while Lead Engineers earn between AUD 175,000 and AUD 200,000.
At Atlassian or SEEK, top performers can reach AUD 230,000+ including bonuses.
Software Engineer Salary by Location
|
City |
Average Salary (AUD) |
|
Sydney |
136,000 |
|
Melbourne |
132,000 |
|
Brisbane |
122,000 |
|
Canberra |
127,000 |
|
Perth |
118,000 |
|
Adelaide |
110,000 |
Sydney and Melbourne are the top-paying tech hubs in Australia.
Emerging Tech Hubs
Cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra are becoming popular for engineers due to lower living costs and good pay.
New startups like SafetyCulture (Townsville) and Envato (Melbourne) are also creating high-paying tech jobs.
Software Engineer Salary at Top Australian Tech Companies (2025)
Atlassian
- Salary Range: AUD 115,000 – AUD 195,000
- Senior Engineers: Up to AUD 220,000 + stock options
Canva
- Salary Range: AUD 120,000 – AUD 210,000
- Lead Engineers: AUD 230,000 – AUD 260,000 (including bonuses)
WiseTech Global
- Salary Range: AUD 110,000 – AUD 175,000
- Lead Engineers: Up to AUD 200,000
REA Group
- Salary Range: AUD 100,000 – AUD 165,000
- Principal Engineers: AUD 190,000+
SEEK
- Salary Range: AUD 105,000 – AUD 180,000
- Technical Leads: Up to AUD 200,000
SafetyCulture
- Salary Range: AUD 95,000 – AUD 150,000
- Senior Engineers: AUD 165,000
Carsales
- Salary Range: AUD 98,000 – AUD 160,000
- Tech Leads: Above AUD 180,000
Envato
- Salary Range: AUD 105,000 – AUD 170,000
- Senior Developers: AUD 155,000+
Final Thoughts
Software engineering remains one of the most rewarding careers in Australia.
In 2025, salaries continue to grow due to strong demand in tech, AI, and product development.
If you’re planning to build your career or move to Australia, this is a great time to explore your options.
Want expert help to move abroad and work in Australia?
Cross Border can guide you step-by-step through the immigration and job process.
