Curious to learn how much software engineers earn across Australia in 2025? With the country’s booming tech industry, software engineering has become one of the most well-paid and in-demand career paths.
Whether you’re just starting your career, relocating as an expat, or planning your future in Australia, understanding potential salaries can help you make smarter career and financial decisions.
At Remitly, we know how valuable this information is—especially for those building a new life abroad. That’s why we’ve created this clear and straightforward guide to software engineer salaries in Australia for 2025. We’ll break down average pay by city, experience level, and specialisation to help you plan your next move with confidence.
What is the average software engineer salary in Australia?
The average software engineer salary in Australia varies depending on career level. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Experience level | Salary range per year (AUD) |
| Junior/graduate (0–2 years) | $73,000 – $100,000 |
| Mid-level (2–5 years) | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | $150,000 – $199,000 |
| Lead/principal engineer (10+ years) | $176,000 – $250,000 |
These 2025 software engineering salary ranges are based on national averages from Glassdoor and other sources. Your salary may be higher or lower depending on your experience level, location, and specialisation.
How does experience affect a software engineer’s salary?
Experience has a big impact on how much software engineers earn. As you build your skills, take on more complex projects, and contribute to bigger outcomes, your salary typically increases to reflect that growth.
Junior/graduate software engineer (0–2 years)
At the start of your career in Australia, the focus is on learning the ropes—building coding skills, understanding workplace processes, and getting comfortable with industry best practices.
Salaries at this stage are typically lower, as the main investment is in your growth. You’re laying the groundwork for a long-term career: learning from mentors, contributing to smaller projects, and slowly building the confidence to take on more complex tasks.
Mid-level software engineer (2–5 years)
With a few years of experience under your belt, you’ll start working more independently. Mid-level engineers often take ownership of key projects, contribute to broader initiatives, and help shape technical decisions.
This is also when many engineers begin to specialise—perhaps in front-end frameworks, backend systems, or cloud infrastructure—solving more complex problems along the way. As your impact grows, your salary typically follows suit, reflecting the value you bring to the team.
Senior software engineer (5+ years)
At this stage, you’re not just writing code—you’re leading initiatives. Senior engineers often manage projects end to end, mentor junior developers, and guide key architectural decisions.
You’re focused on delivering results, improving engineering processes, and ensuring the team meets its goals. With deeper technical expertise and leadership responsibilities, your salary tends to increase significantly.
Lead/principal engineer (10+ years)
Engineers at this level bring deep technical expertise and long-term strategic vision. Lead and principal roles often involve setting the direction for entire products, making high-level architectural decisions, and coordinating across multiple teams or departments.
You’re helping shape not just the codebase, but the company’s broader engineering culture. At this stage, your salary reflects both your leadership and the wide-reaching impact of your work.
Which Australian city pays software engineers the most?
Where you work in Australia can have a big impact on your salary as a software engineer. Different cities offer different pay levels, often influenced by the local tech scene, cost of living, and industry demand.
Here’s a quick comparison of average salaries in some of Australia’s major tech hubs:
| City | Average salary per year (AUD) |
| Sydney | $108,000 – $170,000 |
| Melbourne | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| Brisbane | $95,000 – $135,000 |
| Perth | $90,000 – $125,000 |
| Canberra | $82,000 – $122,000 |
Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s largest tech hub—and typically offers the highest average salaries for software engineers. With a vibrant mix of startups, scale-ups, and global tech firms, demand for talent is strong and consistently growing.
While the cost of living is higher than in other cities, many engineers find it worth the trade-off for access to exciting projects, innovative technologies, and clear opportunities for career advancement.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a top choice for tech professionals, with a thriving startup ecosystem and a strong presence of established tech firms.
While average salaries are slightly lower than in Sydney, Melbourne offers a lower cost of living and a high quality of life—making it an appealing option for many software engineers.
The city’s vibrant culture, renowned café scene, and work-life balance make it one of the best places to build a tech career in Australia.
Brisbane
Brisbane is quickly emerging as a key player in Australia’s growing tech sector. Salaries are competitive, and the cost of living is lower than Sydney or Melbourne—making it a smart choice for those seeking big-city opportunities with a more relaxed vibe.
You’ll find growing demand across multiple industries, along with more space, shorter commutes, and a lifestyle that supports better work-life balance.
Perth
Perth’s tech scene is steadily expanding, with rising demand for software engineers in sectors like mining tech, energy, and logistics.
The city offers affordable living and access to emerging roles, making it ideal for software engineers looking to establish their careers, explore new industries, and enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle—without giving up exciting project work.
Canberra
As Australia’s capital, Canberra has a distinctive tech market shaped by its strong public sector. Government and defence projects drive demand for specialised software roles.
While average salaries here may be slightly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra offers long-term job stability, strategic work, and a high quality of life—especially if you’re drawn to the public sector or security-focused industries.
Do specialisations matter for software engineer salaries?
Absolutely. Specialising in certain areas of software engineering can significantly boost your earning potential. In-demand skills tend to command higher salaries because they’re both rare and essential across many industries.
Here are some of the top-paying specialisations in Australia for 2025:
Artificial intelligence or machine learning
AI and machine learning engineers transform complex data into smarter systems that drive innovation and efficiency. These roles require strong coding skills, a deep understanding of algorithms, and a sharp problem-solving mindset.
Due to the technical depth and growing demand across industries, salaries in this specialisation are often among the highest in the field.
Cybersecurity
With cyber threats on the rise, cybersecurity specialists play a critical role in protecting sensitive data, securing networks, and preventing breaches that could cost companies millions.
The specialised expertise and high stakes involved make this one of the most well-compensated fields in tech—offering both strong salaries and excellent long-term career prospects.
DevOps
DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations, automating systems and streamlining deployments. Their work keeps infrastructure running smoothly and enables faster, more reliable software delivery.
Since they sit at the heart of modern tech workflows, DevOps professionals are in high demand—and their salaries reflect that essential role.
Mobile development (iOS / Android)
Mobile apps are a key part of daily life, and engineers who specialise in iOS or Android play a vital role in building smooth, high-performing user experiences.
Companies value developers who can create intuitive, bug-free apps that keep users engaged—making this one of the more lucrative paths in software engineering.
Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
Cloud engineers help businesses scale securely using platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
As a result of the strategic importance and technical complexity of cloud infrastructure, engineers in this field often earn some of the highest salaries in tech.
Other factors that influence your salary
Your specialisation isn’t the only thing that influences your salary as a software engineer in Australia. A few other key factors can also play a major role in what you earn:
Company size and type
Bigger doesn’t always mean better—but when it comes to salaries, it often does. Large multinational tech companies like Google or Amazon usually offer higher pay and more generous perks than smaller firms.
Well-funded startups can also offer competitive salaries, along with benefits like stock options or profit sharing. Smaller local companies may pay less, but they often provide other advantages, such as flexible schedules, close-knit teams, and chances to take ownership of projects early on.
Industry
The industry you work in can significantly affect your earning potential. For example, FinTech companies often offer higher salaries due to the complexity of their systems and the need to safeguard sensitive financial data.
HealthTech is another well-paying sector, where strict regulations and private medical data require advanced skills and attention to detail. In general, roles in high-stakes or specialised industries tend to pay more, as employers value experience, reliability, and domain-specific expertise.
Your skills
Your personal skill set plays a major role in determining your salary. Engineers with in-demand programming languages—like Python, Go, or Rust—often earn more because these skills are harder to find and highly valued by employers.
Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving also matter. They help you stand out in interviews, lead projects, and work effectively across teams—all of which can boost your earning potential over time.
Final thoughts on software engineer salaries in Australia
Software engineering remains one of the most rewarding and stable careers in Australia. Salaries in 2025 are strong—and continue to rise—with variations based on your experience, location, and specialisation.
Whether you’re starting out or planning your next move, understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed career and financial decisions.
Take the next step by researching companies that match your interests, updating your LinkedIn profile with in-demand skills, and exploring roles in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. With the right experience and focus, a well-paid, fulfilling career in tech is within reach.
FAQ
What is a good starting salary for a software engineer in Australia?
A good starting salary for a junior software engineer in Australia typically ranges from AUD $73,000 to $100,000 per year in 2025. The exact figure may vary depending on your location, the company, and any relevant internship or project experience.
How can I increase my software engineer salary in 2025?
To boost your salary, consider specialising in high-demand areas like AI, cybersecurity, or cloud computing. Building a strong portfolio, learning in-demand languages like Python or Rust, and improving soft skills such as communication and collaboration can also make a big difference.
Is software engineering a good career for immigrants in Australia?
Yes. Australia’s growing tech industry offers many opportunities for skilled immigrants, and software engineering is consistently in demand. Many companies are open to hiring international candidates, and some roles may even be eligible for skilled migration visas.
Which Australian cities pay software engineers the most?
In 2025, Sydney and Melbourne continue to offer the highest salaries for software engineers, followed by Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra. While smaller or regional cities may offer slightly lower pay, they often make up for it with lower living costs and a better work-life balance.
Are software engineers in demand in 2025?
Absolutely. Software engineers are in strong demand across Australia as the tech industry continues to grow rapidly. The rise of digital transformation, AI, and cybersecurity has created a surge in opportunities, especially in roles like DevOps, cloud engineering, and AI development.