Project Manager Salary in Canberra (2026)

Last updated 02/08/2026

Project Managers in Canberra earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $125,000 and $287,840. That sits 23% above Canberra's all-roles median of $130,000. Figures are based on 35 jobs advertised in Canberra in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Canberra ↑ +1 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$125,000 – $287,840

Median: $160,000

Jun $175k

Jul $160k

↓ Trending down

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

Mid level	$118,000 – $193,896
Senior level	$158,763 – $296,760

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 35 job listings for this role and city, 88.9% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 44.4% stated a salary directly. The remaining 55.6% 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% $125,000 Median $160,000 $287,840 Top 10%

Understanding the Canberra Market

Canberra is the only city in this report where project management does not stand far above the local market, earning $160,000 against a city all-roles median of $130,000. That $130,000 city figure is the highest in the country, which is what a federal government and defence economy produces. The median fell $15,000 from June while listings held flat at 35, so the drop is a shift in advertised seniority rather than demand. The senior band runs $158,000 to $296,000 on 10 listings, so the upper end is thin.

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 Manager in Canberra?

The $125,000 floor assumes delivery experience, and in Canberra it usually assumes a security clearance as well. Baseline, NV1 and NV2 clearances appear repeatedly in listings and are often the binding constraint rather than project experience. Federal government, defence and the consultancies serving them account for almost all of these roles.

Is $160,000 a good salary in Canberra?

Yes, though less dramatically than elsewhere. At $160,000 a project manager earns 23.1% above Canberra's all-roles median of $130,000, with take-home near $2,164 a week. In every other capital the same title pays double the local median, so the premium here is smaller because Canberra's baseline is so high. Brisbane pays $169,000 for the same role against a much lower cost base.

How much does a Senior Project Manager make in Canberra?

Senior listings run $158,000 to $296,000 with a median of $233,000, though from only 10 listings, so treat the upper end as directional. Clearance level is the clearest lever, since NV2 and above narrows the candidate pool sharply. Program and portfolio roles inside federal departments are what support the top of the range.

Project Manager salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Canberra
Canberra (this page)	$160,000	0%
Brisbane	$169,315	+6%
Adelaide	$160,000	~same
Melbourne	$160,000	~same
Newcastle	$160,000	~same

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