Excavator Operator Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Excavator Operators in Brisbane earn a median salary of $98,800 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $83,980 and $128,096. That sits 13% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,500. Figures are based on 32 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 47th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +4 listings vs last month
💰 Excavator Operator · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$83,980 – $128,096
Median: $98,800
Jun $91k
Jul $98k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $83,980 – $128,096
Overall $83k–$128k Mid $83k–$128k $81k $91k $101k $111k $121k $131k
Moderate confidence 32 listings (+4 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 32 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 45.5% stated a salary directly. The remaining 54.5% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $83,980 Median  $98,800 $128,096  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

The median rose $6,900 to $98,000 this month, a 7.6% move on 32 listings, which is enough movement off a small enough sample to warrant caution. Perth is the only comparable market and it pays $125,000, a $27,000 gap driven by mining earthworks rather than civil construction. Demand sits at only the 47th percentile within Brisbane, so this is specialist work rather than high-volume hiring. At 46% salary disclosure the figure is moderately well supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $98,800)

Weekly (net)
~$1,428
Monthly (net)
~$6,187
Annual (net)
~$74,247
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $110,162

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 Excavator Operator in Brisbane?
Entry is $83,000, and a civil construction ticket for the relevant machine class is the prerequisite rather than general experience. Larger machine classes, GPS-guided plant and trenching or bulk earthworks experience move operators up the band. Tier-one civil contractors pay above residential earthworks at the same ticket level.
Is $98,800 a good salary in Brisbane?
Yes, moderately. At $98,000 an excavator operator earns 12.9% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,000, with take-home near $1,428 a week and moderate living costs. The comparison that matters is Perth at $125,000, where mining earthworks pays a substantial premium for the same tickets. If FIFO is workable for you, that is a $27,000 decision.
How much does a Senior Excavator Operator make in Brisbane?
The ceiling is $128,000, reached through larger plant, supervisory leading hand roles or specialised work like rock breaking and precision trenching. Plant supervision and civil site management sit above this range. With 32 listings behind these figures, treat the upper end as directional rather than settled.

Other roles in Brisbane

Excavator Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $98,800 0%
Perth $125,000 +27%

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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.