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 $115,000 and $230,000. That sits 68% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 35 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 55th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -9 listings vs last month
💰 Project Engineer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$115,000 – $230,000
Median: $160,000
May $150k
Jun $160k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $112,500 – $200,000
Senior level $160,000 – $250,000
Overall $115k–$230k Mid $112k–$200k Senior $160k–$250k $109k $138k $168k $198k $227k $257k
Moderate confidence 35 listings (-9 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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%  $115,000 Median  $160,000 $230,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Project engineers in Melbourne command a 68.4% premium over the city's all-roles median, and the level split is steep: mid engineers median $140k while seniors jump to $160k and reach $250k. That is a wide experience curve for a role that already starts high. Demand cooled (35 listings, down from 44) yet the median rose $10k over the month, fewer roles but better paid. The $160k median matches Brisbane, Perth and Sydney exactly, so this is a nationally priced engineering role rather than a Melbourne-specific one. Construction and infrastructure pipelines set the pay.

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 mid band starts around $112.5k, high because project engineering requires an engineering degree and site experience. What pushes someone toward the top is sector and scope: infrastructure, resources or major commercial projects over smaller builds, chartered engineering progress, and owning the delivery of significant work packages rather than assisting on them.
Is $160,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes, strongly. At $160k the median runs 68.4% above Melbourne's $95k all-roles figure and nets about $112.5k after tax, among the better salaried positions here. Project engineers are well paid because they own the technical delivery and cost of construction work. The one nuance is that demand softened this month even as pay rose, so the market is selective, favouring experienced candidates.
How much does a Senior Project Engineer make in Melbourne?
Senior project engineers median $160k and reach $250k. The step up is scope and responsibility: leading delivery on major projects, managing junior engineers, and taking commercial accountability for programme and budget. Chartered engineering status plus a record of delivered infrastructure or resources projects is what carries you toward the top, and toward Site Manager and Project Manager pay.

Other roles in Melbourne

Project Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $160,000 —
Brisbane $160,000 ~same
Perth $160,000 ~same
Sydney $160,000 ~same
Adelaide $127,500 -20%

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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.