Systems Engineer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Systems Engineers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $130,398 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $99,500 and $160,000. That sits 53% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $85,000. Figures are based on 20 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

◆ Specialist role Lower listing volume — 3th percentile in Melbourne
💰 Systems Engineer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$99,500 – $160,000
Median: $130,398
Mid level $96,000 – $150,000
Overall $99k–$160k Mid $96k–$150k $93k $107k $121k $136k $150k $164k
⚠ Low confidence 20 listings · 21/05/2026

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%  $99,500 Median  $130,398 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Systems engineers in Melbourne earn a median of $130,398, 53.4% above the city's all-roles median, with only 20 listings and no prior month for comparison. The 46.4% spread ($99,500 to $160,000) reflects genuine role diversity under the 'systems engineer' title: IT infrastructure systems roles at the floor, complex embedded or defence-adjacent systems engineering roles at the ceiling. Project Managers in the same city earn $160,000 for adjacent delivery scope. With such limited data, treat this as directional, the $130,000 level is consistent with senior technology and engineering roles in Melbourne's market.

Take Home Pay (based on median $130,398)

Weekly (net)
~$1,817
Monthly (net)
~$7,873
Annual (net)
~$94,476
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $145,393

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 Systems Engineer in Melbourne?
Mid-level systems engineers in Melbourne typically earn $96,000 to $125,000. The title is used across IT infrastructure, defence, and embedded technology sectors, the sector determines both pay and career pathway. Defence and aerospace systems engineers command the top of the mid range and require Australian citizenship; IT infrastructure systems engineers enter closer to $100,000.
Is $130,398 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $130,398, a Melbourne systems engineer earns 53.4% above the city's all-roles median, a strong position in a high cost-of-living city. The limited listing count means candidates have significant negotiating leverage on individual roles; this is not a liquid market where employer pricing is calibrated by volume competition.
How much does a Senior Systems Engineer make in Melbourne?
Senior systems engineers in Melbourne earn $145,000 to $160,000. Reaching the ceiling requires either a defence security clearance for regulated systems roles, or Principal/Lead Systems Engineer scope with architecture ownership across a complex IT or engineering environment. Moving to Engineering Manager or Solutions Architect classifications unlocks $165,000 to $200,000 for experienced systems practitioners.

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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.