Project Engineer Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Project Engineers in Adelaide earn a median salary of $145,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $113,500 and $177,500. That sits 86% above Adelaide's all-roles median of $78,000. Figures are based on 20 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 26th percentile by listing volume in Adelaide
💰 Project Engineer · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$113,500$177,500
Median: $145,000
Apr $160k
May $145k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $104,500 – $157,750
Overall $113k–$177k Mid $104k–$157k $101k $117k $133k $150k $166k $182k

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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $113,500 Median  $145,000 $177,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Project Engineers in Adelaide earned $145,000 at the median in May, down $15,000 from April, with 20 listings (unchanged). The median decline is notable but the small sample limits inference: a handful of different role types can shift the median significantly. At 85.9% above Adelaide's all-roles median, the role commands the strongest professional premium in Adelaide's dataset, reflecting the high-value engineering and infrastructure projects that dominate the city's job market. The 44% spread ($104,500-$157,750) covers junior to senior project engineers in construction and defence sectors.

Take Home Pay (based on median $145,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,988
Monthly (net)
~$8,615
Annual (net)
~$103,383
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $161,675

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 Project Engineer in Adelaide?
Project Engineers starting in Adelaide earn around $104,500 at the p10. Most roles at this level require a civil, structural, or mechanical engineering degree plus two to four years of project delivery experience. Adelaide's defence and infrastructure sectors are the primary hirers at entry level.
Is $145,000 a good salary in Adelaide?
Yes, strongly. At $145,000, an Adelaide Project Engineer earns 85.9% above the city's all-roles median. Adelaide is one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia, making this salary genuinely excellent on a cost-of-living adjusted basis. Engineers in Adelaide's defence sector frequently earn in this range without the FIFO or relocation commitments associated with resources sector roles in Perth or Queensland.
How much does a Senior Project Engineer make in Adelaide?
Senior Project Engineers in Adelaide reach $157,750 at the p90. These roles are concentrated in large civil infrastructure contracts, the Osborne Naval Shipyard and submarine project, and defence systems engineering. Getting above $160,000 in Adelaide typically requires a move into a Project Manager or Principal Engineer role on a major defence or infrastructure program.

Other roles in Adelaide

Project Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $145,000
Brisbane $160,000 +10%
Perth $160,000 +10%
Sydney $160,000 +10%
Melbourne $150,000 +3%

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.