Software Engineer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Software Engineers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $150,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $106,000 and $200,000. That sits 64% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $91,520. Figures are based on 35 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 56th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +1 listings vs last month
💰 Software Engineer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$106,000 – $200,000
Median: $150,000
Apr $160k
May $150k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $106,000 – $165,000
Senior level $133,089 – $203,400
Overall $106k–$200k Mid $106k–$165k Senior $133k–$203k $102k $124k $145k $166k $188k $209k
Moderate confidence 35 listings (+1 vs last month) · 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.

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Bottom 10%  $106,000 Median  $150,000 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Software Engineers in Melbourne earned $150,000 at the median in May, down $10,000 from April, with 35 listings (up 1). The median decline alongside flat volume is a meaningful signal for Melbourne's tech sector. At 63.9% above Melbourne's all-roles median, Software Engineer commands a major premium. The dual-tier structure confirms two distinct markets: mid-level earns $125,000 (15 listings), while senior earns $160,000 (18 listings). The senior tier now outnumbers the mid-level in listed volume, consistent with a market that is becoming more selective and senior-weighted.

Take Home Pay (based on median $150,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,047
Monthly (net)
~$8,869
Annual (net)
~$106,433
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $167,250

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 Melbourne?
Mid-level Software Engineers in Melbourne start at $106,000 at the p10. Most listed mid-level roles in Melbourne target three to six years of experience with backend, full-stack, or platform specialisation. Melbourne's technology sector includes a mix of scale-up products, enterprise software, and consultancy roles that span this pay range.
Is $150,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes, strongly. At $150,000, a Melbourne Software Engineer earns 63.9% above the city's all-roles median. Melbourne has high living costs, and this income provides genuine financial security, though the property market in inner Melbourne remains challenging even at this level. The strong premium and the shift toward senior-level hiring are positive signals for experienced engineers.
How much does a Senior Software Engineer make in Melbourne?
Senior Software Engineers in Melbourne earn a median of $160,000 from 18 listings, with a ceiling at $203,400. Roles at this level require seven or more years of experience, deep specialisation in distributed systems, cloud architecture, or security engineering, and often some team technical leadership accountability. The shift in Melbourne's listed market toward senior roles signals that employers are willing to pay for experience.

Other roles in Melbourne

Software Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $150,000 —
Sydney $140,193 -7%
Brisbane $125,000 -17%

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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.