Project Engineer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Project Engineers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $116,500 and $200,000. That sits 71% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 44 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 65th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Project Engineer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$116,500 – $200,000
Median: $160,000
Aug $135k
Sep $160k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $115,000 – $200,000
Senior level $160,000 – $200,000
Overall $116k–$200k Mid $115k–$200k Senior $160k–$200k $111k $130k $149k $168k $187k $206k

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 44 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 27.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 72.3% 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%  $116,500 Median  $160,000 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median jumped $25,000 to $160,000, an 18.5% rise that brings Melbourne into line with Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, all of which pay exactly the same. Listings were flat at 44. The senior band runs $160,000 to $200,000 on 12 listings with a median of $187,000, a $47,000 step above the mid band, so the tiering is genuine. Only 28% of listings stated a salary, though the national consistency supports the level.

Take Home Pay (based on median $160,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,164
Monthly (net)
~$9,378
Annual (net)
~$112,533
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $178,400

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 Project Engineer in Melbourne?
The $116,000 floor assumes an accredited engineering degree and site experience, so graduate roles sit below this range under different titles. Mid-level listings run $115,000 to $200,000 with a median of $140,000 across 31 listings. Civil, structural and mechanical disciplines dominate, with infrastructure the main Melbourne employer.
Is $160,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $160,000 a project engineer earns 70.6% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $2,164 a week, which absorbs much of the city's living costs. Five capitals pay the same nominal figure, so Melbourne is among the weakest on take-home. Within Melbourne construction it matches project management and site management at $160,000.
How much does a Senior Project Engineer make in Melbourne?
Senior listings run $160,000 to $200,000 with a median of $187,000, from 12 listings. Principal engineer, design authority and engineering management on major infrastructure are what reach it. The $47,000 step from mid to senior median is one of the largest engineering progressions in this report.

Other roles in Melbourne

Project Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $160,000 0%
Adelaide $160,000 ~same
Brisbane $160,000 ~same
Perth $160,000 ~same
Sydney $160,000 ~same

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