Software Engineer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Software Engineers in Sydney earn a median salary of $140,193 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $100,000 and $200,000. That sits 54% above Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 54 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 24% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +28 listings vs last month
💰 Software Engineer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $200,000
Median: $140,193
Apr $160k
May $140k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $100,000 – $196,000
Senior level $100,000 – $275,000
Overall $100k–$200k Mid $100k–$196k Senior $100k–$275k $97k $134k $171k $208k $246k $283k
Moderate confidence 54 listings (+28 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%  $100,000 Median  $140,193 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Software Engineers in Sydney earned $140,193 at the median in May, down $19,807 from April, with 54 listings (up 28). A very large volume surge alongside a falling median is the dominant signal: 28 new listings entered the market in May, and they are concentrated at the mid-level rather than the senior end. At 54.5% above Sydney's all-roles median, the role commands a strong premium despite the median decline. The dual-tier breakdown shows mid-level at $125,000 (22 listings) and senior at $155,000 (31 listings), with the senior tier holding firm.

Take Home Pay (based on median $140,193)

Weekly (net)
~$1,932
Monthly (net)
~$8,371
Annual (net)
~$100,451
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $156,315

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 Sydney?
Mid-level Software Engineers in Sydney start at $100,000 at the p10, a lower floor than Melbourne's $106,000. This reflects the Sydney market's larger pool of mid-level candidates and a broader range of employers, including smaller product studios and consultancies at the lower end. Reaching the $125,000 mid-level median requires three to six years with a cloud, backend, or product engineering specialisation.
Is $140,193 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $140,193, a Sydney Software Engineer earns 54.5% above the city's all-roles median. The strong volume increase (28 listings) suggests employers are actively hiring, which is a positive employment signal even though the surge pushed the median down. Sydney's cost of living is high, but at $140,193 the role provides solid financial stability.
How much does a Senior Software Engineer make in Sydney?
Senior Software Engineers in Sydney earn a median of $155,000 from 31 listings, with a ceiling at $275,000. The p90 of $275,000 reflects senior individual contributors and technical leads at major technology companies and scale-ups, where equity and cash compensation packages approach US tech sector benchmarks. Reaching the $155,000-$275,000 band typically requires seven or more years with senior or staff engineer designation and measurable system impact.

Other roles in Sydney

Software Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $140,193 —
Melbourne $150,000 +7%
Brisbane $125,000 -11%

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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.