Estimator Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Estimators in Adelaide earn a median salary of $120,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $79,424 and $194,000. That sits 54% above Adelaide's all-roles median of $78,000. Figures are based on 25 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 48th percentile by listing volume in Adelaide
💰 Estimator · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$79,424$194,000
Median: $120,000
Apr $125k
May $120k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $79,040 – $160,000
Overall $79k–$194k Mid $79k–$160k $76k $101k $125k $150k $175k $199k

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $79,424 Median  $120,000 $194,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Estimators in Adelaide earned $120,000 in May, down $5,000 from April, with 25 listings. The 96% spread from $79k to $160k is the widest of any city for this role, reflecting the range from entry-level quantity surveying support roles to senior construction estimators on major defence or infrastructure projects. Adelaide's construction sector is primarily driven by defence spending, which keeps the upper end of the range high relative to other sectors. Sydney leads all cities at $137,500.

Take Home Pay (based on median $120,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,695
Monthly (net)
~$7,344
Annual (net)
~$88,133
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $133,800

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Estimator in Adelaide?
Mid-level Estimators in Adelaide earn $79,040 to $115,000 (20 listings). A construction management, quantity surveying, or civil engineering background is the standard entry path. Adelaide's defence infrastructure contracts (particularly at Osborne Naval Shipyard) support specialist estimating roles at the upper end.
Is $120,000 a good salary in Adelaide?
At $120,000 and 53.8% above Adelaide's all-roles median, this is a strong premium in a low-cost city. The purchasing power of $120k in Adelaide is substantially better than in Sydney or Melbourne at the same salary. Electrician roles in Adelaide pay $100,000, confirming the estimating function commands a $20,000 premium over trades in this market.
How much does a Senior Estimator make in Adelaide?
Senior Estimators in Adelaide can reach $160,000 at the p90. Defence sector contracts and major infrastructure projects are the primary drivers of the upper range. Moving to Sydney ($137,500 median) or Perth ($125,000) provides access to larger project pipelines and higher absolute medians.

Other roles in Adelaide

Estimator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $120,000
Sydney $137,500 +15%
Melbourne $130,000 +8%
Brisbane $125,000 +4%
Perth $125,000 +4%

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