Software Engineer Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Software Engineers in Brisbane earn a median salary of $125,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $100,000 and $160,000. That sits 39% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 21 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

◆ Specialist role Lower listing volume — 14th percentile in Brisbane
💰 Software Engineer · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $160,000
Median: $125,000
Mid level $104,500 – $145,500
Overall $100k–$160k Mid $104k–$145k $97k $110k $124k $137k $151k $164k
⚠ Low confidence 21 listings · 01/06/2026

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%  $100,000 Median  $125,000 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Software Engineers in Brisbane earned $125,000 at the median in May, with 21 listings and no prior month comparison available. At 38.9% above Brisbane's all-roles median, the role earns a strong professional premium. The 48% spread ($104,500-$145,500) is tight relative to Sydney and Melbourne, reflecting Brisbane's smaller and more specialised technology employment market. The small sample warrants treating the figure as directional. Brisbane's tech sector is growing but remains concentrated around a smaller number of employers compared to the eastern capital cities.

Take Home Pay (based on median $125,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,754
Monthly (net)
~$7,599
Annual (net)
~$91,183
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $139,375

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 Software Engineer in Brisbane?
Software Engineers starting in Brisbane earn around $104,500 at the p10. Most entry-level listed roles in Brisbane expect two to four years of experience; the graduate software market in Brisbane is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne and is not well-represented in the listed data. Reaching the $125,000 median takes three to five years with backend, cloud, or platform engineering experience.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Brisbane?
Yes. At $125,000, a Brisbane Software Engineer earns 38.9% above the city's all-roles median. Brisbane's moderate cost of living makes this a genuinely excellent income relative to the city's housing and living costs. Compared to Sydney at $140,193 in a significantly more expensive city, Brisbane's $125,000 offers competitive real purchasing power.
How much does a Senior Software Engineer make in Brisbane?
Experienced Software Engineers in Brisbane reach $145,500 at the p90, based on 14 mid-level listings. The ceiling is lower than Sydney or Melbourne, reflecting Brisbane's smaller senior technology market. Candidates reaching the top of Brisbane's range often access remote roles at Sydney or Melbourne pay rates, which significantly expands the effective earnings ceiling.

Other roles in Brisbane

Software Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $125,000 —
Melbourne $150,000 +20%
Sydney $140,193 +12%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.