Australia's Top 10 Engineers by Salary
No matter the level of experience or training in engineering, there may be opportunities abroad for you. From work roles with diverse engineering sectors in multiple nations to opportunities to work overseas – everything may be open for consideration! Determine where you wish to relocate and launch a career by learning more about countries with established engineering industries. As more people use technology, engineers are becoming an increasing necessity in designing systems, structures, and products for use across various environments. With an average yearly compensation of $112,358 – making engineering one of Australia’s highest-paying professions – let us examine Australia’s top 10 engineers by salary in this article.
Australia's highest-paid engineers | Role | Salary
Engineers who combine technical proficiency, strategic vision, and leadership abilities to excel in their fields are among the highest paid engineers in australia. These engineers tend to oversee major projects or hold high executive positions within large engineering-related businesses – which is usually why the highest earning engineers tend to work in industries with high levels of technical competence and responsibility that contribute significantly to Australia’s economy – these positions and fields typically hold some of these top earners of engineers’ incomes. Here are a few areas and positions where high-earning engineers usually reside.
Engineering | Average Salary (in AUD) |
Mining Engineer | 223,000 |
Petroleum Engineer | 194,418 |
Software Engineer | 178,212 |
Structural Engineer | 170,800 |
Electrical Engineer | 166,375 |
Civil Engineer | 156,400 |
Environmental Engineer | 152,800 |
Materials Engineer | 148,204 |
Chemical Engineer | 148,200 |
Aerospace Engineer | 139,400 |
Table – Australia’s top 10 engineers by salary, latest earnings.
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Mining Engineer
Mining engineers are responsible for overseeing the planning, safety, efficiency, and management of mining operations. Their work ensures that minerals, metals, and other natural resources can be extracted safely and cost-effectively from the earth’s depths. Mining engineers typically find work in the mining and resources sector, which includes companies that focus on exploration, extraction, processing of minerals and metals. Mining engineers anzsco 233611 play a pivotal role in producing raw materials used by various industries – construction, manufacturing and technology among them – for use in production processes. Due to their demanding yet challenging work environments, mining engineers tend to command high salaries. Mining engineers play an essential role in extracting natural resources safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Thanks to technological advances and an increasing focus on sustainability, their roles continue to develop in line with current demands for innovation and leadership in the resources sector.. Mining engineering is one of Australia’s highest-paying engineering specialities, earning an average yearly salary of approximately USD 223,000 (or approximately US $150,000).
Average Salary: AUD 223,000
- Role: Focus on the extraction of minerals from the earth, mine design, safety protocols, and overseeing mining operations.
- Industry: Mining and resources.
- Notable Individual: Andrew Forrest, founder and chairman of Fortescue Metals Group.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers specialize in extracting natural gas and oil from below the Earth’s surface, from exploration to drilling to extraction and production; their responsibility covers every phase of oil and gas production processes. Petroleum engineers typically find employment in the oil and gas sector, which includes hydrocarbon exploration, drilling, production and refining operations both onshore and offshore. This business provides crucial energy supplies for global economies. Petroleum engineers receive significant salaries due to the intricate and critical nature of their work in extracting essential energy resources. Their skills are crucial in maintaining safe and effective extraction of gas and oil that supplies global energy needs while at the forefront of innovation within energy sectors by solving present and future issues in oil and gas production thanks to technological breakthroughs that increase sustainability. Petroleum engineers oversee drilling and finishing processes. Petroleum engineering is the second highest-paying engineering specialisation in Australia, typically offering annual salaries averaging approximately $130,800 (or approximately AUD 194,418).
Average Salary: AUD 194,418
- Role: Specialize in extracting oil and gas. Responsibilities include drilling, production, and reservoir management.
- Industry: Oil and gas.
- Notable Individual: Catherine Tanna, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for planning, creating, testing, and maintaining software systems and applications. Their primary task involves writing code to solve challenging problems while making sure software remains effective, reliable, and user-friendly. Numerous industries – from technology and banking to healthcare and entertainment – require software developers. Their expertise is essential for creating corporate software, embedded systems, mobile apps and online services that help build value for companies. Software engineers are among the highest-paying specialists due to their central role in creating and maintaining software used to power modern technology. Software engineers work across industries and require a diverse combination of skills spanning technical expertise, analytical ability and collaborative teamwork. At the forefront of technological change lies innovation. Software engineers help shape digital experiences and solutions by pushing the limits of AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and other areas. Software engineering ranks third among Australia’s highest-paying engineering specialities, with an annual average income of approximately $120,000 (AUD 178,212).
Average Salary: AUD 178,212
- Role: Software system developers specialize in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and large-scale infrastructure systems development and maintenance.
- Industry: IT and telecom.
- Notable Individuals: Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar were co-founders of Atlassian.
Structural Engineer
Buildings, bridges, and other structures must be designed, evaluated, and supervised by structural engineers to guarantee their resilience, safety, and soundness.. As architects, their work involves applying principles from physics, mathematics and materials science to design structures capable of withstanding various loads and environmental conditions. Structural engineers work in the construction and infrastructure industry, which encompasses residential, commercial, industrial and public works projects. They may be employed by engineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies or architectural firms. Structural engineer anzsco 233214 are highly compensated due to the critical nature of their work in assuring building safety and stability, including infrastructure projects. Their roles require technical knowledge, analytical abilities and project management experience. Thanks to recent innovations in materials science, digital technology, and sustainable design, structural engineers continue to play an essential role in shaping our built environment and improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability of modern construction projects. Structural engineering stands as one of the highest-paying engineering specialities in Australia, with an annual median wage of approximately $115,000 (about AUD 170,800).
Average Salary: AUD 173,800.
Role: Design and ensure the safety of buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Industry: Construction and infrastructure.
Notable Individual: Peter Bennet of Clough Limited.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers perform various duties, such as developing, testing, designing and maintaining electrical systems and parts. Their projects range from large power networks to tiny technological devices; as they play such an essential part in society’s electrical needs, electrical engineers are highly-paid professions that combine technological know-how with problem-solving abilities and project management expertise across several industries – smart technology such as electric vehicles and renewable energies are further strengthening this role in creating sustainable energy solutions that will serve society well into the future. With an average salary of $112,030 (or around AUD 166,375) annually, electrical engineering ranks fifth among the highest-paying engineering specialities in Australia.
Average Salary: AUD 166,375
Role: Frank Calabria, CEO of Origin Energy, is known for his work on power generation and distribution, including renewable energy systems.
Industry: Energy & Utilities
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers specialize in planning, designing, building and maintaining infrastructure projects such as buildings, bridges, roads and water supply systems – their efforts ensure the sustainability, economy and safety of these constructions. Civil engineers play an essential role in creating and maintaining modern society’s infrastructure, so their compensation is commensurate with this role. Their projects range from buildings, water supply systems and bridges and highways – among many others – which they take part in. Civil engineers’ proficiency in project management, technical design and regulatory compliance ensures the efficiency, sustainability and safety of infrastructure projects. Civil engineer anzsco 233211 remains at the forefront of innovation due to continuous technological breakthroughs and an increasing emphasis on sustainability within the construction and infrastructure sectors. With an average annual salary of $105,265 (AUD 156,400), civil engineering ranks sixth among all engineering specialities in Australia.
Average Salary: AUD 156,400
- Role: Plan and oversee major infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.
- Industry: Construction and infrastructure.
- Notable Individual: Romilly Madew, CEO of Infrastructure Australia.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers employ principles from engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to devise sustainable solutions to environmental problems. Their work seeks to enhance public health while simultaneously increasing ecological quality and fulfilling regulatory compliance obligations. Environmental engineers play a crucial role in meeting environmental challenges and encouraging sustainability. Their work involves designing systems for water and waste management, controlling pollution, conducting environmental impact analyses and assuring compliance with environmental regulations. With advances in green technologies, climate change mitigation, and sustainable practices accelerating, ecological engineers are at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to protect and enhance the environment. Their knowledge and dedication make them highly prized professionals across various sectors, creating a healthier and more eco-friendly world.
Average Salary: AUD 152,800
- Role: Address environmental challenges, design sustainable solutions, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Industry: Environmental services, government.
- Notable Individual: Emma Herd, CEO of Investor Group on Climate Change.
Materials Engineer
Materials engineers are specialists who study the properties and applications of materials to develop new ones or enhance existing ones, working across various industries to ensure materials are used effectively, efficiently, and safely. Materials engineers play an invaluable role in driving technology forward by creating and improving existing materials. Engineered materials professionals work in multiple industries ranging from manufacturing and automotive to aerospace and biomedical, ensuring materials meet performance, safety, and sustainability requirements. Due to advancements in materials science and technology, materials engineers continue to pioneer innovations for more effective, durable, and eco-friendly materials for use across a range of applications. Their contributions are essential in improving product performance while simultaneously decreasing environmental impact and shaping the future of materials engineering. Averaging $99,794 (AUD 148,204) a year, materials engineering is the eighth-highest-paying engineering discipline in Australia.
Average Salary: AUD 148,204
- Role: Develop and test materials used in a range of products and structures, ensuring durability and cost-effectiveness.
- Industry: Manufacturing, aerospace, construction.
- Notable Individual: Prof. Veena Sahajwalla, a leader in materials engineering and recycling technologies.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers develop, implement and manage processes for turning raw materials into finished goods for use across a range of industries – from manufacturing and medicine production to energy engineering and environmental science. Chemical engineers use principles from chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering to apply principles in their profession and develop products which are both useful and sustainable. Environmental science, energy engineering, manufacturing and pharmaceutical businesses enlist their services for various needs. Chemical engineers are among the highest-regarded members of engineering professions worldwide, as their specialized knowledge spans chemistry, engineering principles and process optimization to develop more eco-friendly technologies that contribute to energy production, sustainability and public health. With an average salary of approximately AUD 148 200 annually – making chemical engineering one of the highest-paying engineering specialties.
Average Salary: AUD 148,200
- Role: Design processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Industry: Pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, environmental services.
- Notable Individual: Grant King, former CEO of Origin Energy with a background in chemical engineering.
Aerospace Engineer
Engineers in the aerospace industry create, develop, and test missiles, satellites, aircraft, and spacecraft using principles from aerodynamics, avionics, materials science, propulsion systems and propulsion system technologies – in order to produce safe and cost-efficient aerospace vehicles. Aerospace engineers play an indispensable role in creating aircraft, spacecraft and missiles that push the limits of technology and exploration. Their contributions extend across industries like commercial aviation and defence, as well as space research. Aerospace engineers possess expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, system integration, and system safety that enables them to advance flight performance, safety and efficiency. Through their contributions, aerospace technology continues to advance globally – shaping air travel, exploration and defence capabilities worldwide. With an average annual salary of $93,852 (AUD 139,400), aerospace engineering ranks ninth among all engineering specialities in Australia.
Average Salary: AUD 139,400
- Role: Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.
- Industry: Aerospace and defence.
- Notable Individual: David Thodey, former CEO of Telstra, with an early career in aerospace engineering.
Summary
Discover the top 10 engineers by salary in Australia’s engineering sector. Compare salaries and job opportunities through our ranking of the top 10 engineers by salary. Engineers play vital roles across several sectors ranging from mining and petroleum to IT, construction and aerospace – driving innovation that contributes significantly to Australia’s economy. Gain an in-depth look into Australia’s highest-paying fields through this comprehensive overview. Engineers earn high wages in various sectors, such as mining, energy, IT, construction and aerospace. Their contributions and expertise are critical in the creation and upkeep of essential infrastructure such as roads and buildings as well as technological innovations and the efficient extraction of resources.
Is engineering worth the job in Australia?
Yes, engineering is worth the job in Australia. As it is one of the best-paying jobs in Australia, and engineers have some of the highest wages.
Are engineers well paid in Australia?
The average annual salary for Engineering jobs in Australia ranges from over $112,358. So, Engineers are no doubt paid well in Australia.
What engineer has the highest salary in Australia?
The number of engineers employed in Australia has increased over the previous five years. Engineering jobs such as petroleum engineer, software engineer, electrical engineer etc are some of the highest paid engineers in Australia.
Why is engineering in demand in Australia?
Engineering professionals are in more demand as the globe grows increasingly adept at technology. It is one of the best paying occupations with the wages worth the work so it is obviously in demand.
What qualification is needed for engineering in Australia?
Candidates must hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields. If you’re a bachelor’s holder with a good grade along with relevant work experience you can easily get the job in hand. The highest qualification for students is a PhD in engineering.