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Software Engineer Salary

Software Engineer Salary

Discover the Software Engineer salary range to make an informed choice about your career or an informed decision for your next hire.

A software engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software systems and applications. In Australia, the demand for software engineers has been on the rise in recent years, driven by the increasing use of technology in various industries and a talent shortage across the country. As a result, salaries for software engineers have also risen.

What can I earn as a Software Engineer or Software Developer?

The average software engineer salary in Australia is between $90,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, experience, and company size. However, salaries can vary greatly and can be higher or lower than this range.

Here are some Developer and Software Engineer Salary ranges we’ve seen commonly:

✅ .NET /Java (Junior): $60,000 to $80,000 ($35 – $40 per hour)
✅ .NET / Java (Mid): $90,000 to $130,000 ($50 – $70 per hour)
✅ .NET / Java (Senior): $130,000 160,000 ($80 – $120 per hour)
✅ Engineering Manager: $160,000 to $200,000 (per hour N/A)
✅ Frontend (Junior): $60,000 to $80,000 ($35 – $40 per hour)
✅ Frontend (Mid): $90,000 to $130,000 ($40 – $60 per hour)
✅ Frontend (Senior): $130,000 to $150,000 ($80 – $100 per hour)
✅ Full Stack Developer (Junior): $60,000 to $80,000 ($35 – $40 per hour)
✅ Full Stack Developer (Mid): $90,000 to $130,000 ($50 – $70 per hour)
✅ Full Stack Developer (Senior): $130,000 to $160,000 ($80 – $120 per hour)


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Software Engineer Salary: What’s The Difference Between States?

A Software Engineer’s salary can vary between states in Australia. Generally, software engineers in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in other cities, regional or rural areas. However, the cost of living also tends to be higher in major cities.

In general, New South Wales and Victoria software engineers tend to earn higher salaries than those in other states. Software engineers in other states such as Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania tend to earn an average salary range of $80,000 to $130,000 per year.

Software Engineer Salary: What’s The Difference Between Remote, Hybrid Work, and Working in the Office?

The software engineer’s salary working remotely in Australia may be similar to the salary of a software engineer working in an office, but it can also vary depending on the company and the specific role. Remote work may also provide flexibility and cost savings for the employee, such as reduced commuting costs.

With more experience and skill, software engineers can expect to earn higher salaries. A starting software engineer with little to no experience can expect to earn a salary in the range of $50,000 to $80,000 per year in Australia. A mid-level software engineer with several years of experience can expect to earn a salary in the range of $80,000 to $120,000 per year. A senior software engineer with extensive experience and a proven track record can expect to earn a salary in the range of $120,000 to $180,000 or more per year.

It’s also worth noting that, Software engineers with specialised skills and experiences such as AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud computing and others are in high demand and may earn a higher salary than the average range.

What is the Difference Between a Developer’s and Software Engineer’s Salary?

The salary difference between a software engineer and a developer can vary based on several factors, such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific role.

In general, software engineers tend to earn higher salaries than developers, but this can vary widely based on the specific company and individual circumstances.

It’s important to note that the terms “software engineer” and “developer” are often used interchangeably and can refer to the same job role.

Additionally, the titles can have different meanings in different organisations and industries, so it’s essential to look at the specific responsibilities and qualifications required for a given role to understand the potential salary range.


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