Project Manager Salary in Canberra (2026)

Last updated

Project Managers in Canberra earn a median salary of $175,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $126,500 and $275,000. That sits 28% above Canberra's all-roles median of $136,785. Figures are based on 34 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Canberra in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Canberra ↑ +12 listings vs last month
💰 Project Manager · Canberra
ADVERTISED RANGE
$126,500 – $275,000
Median: $175,000
May $160k
Jun $175k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $127,647 – $275,000
Overall $126k–$275k Mid $127k–$275k $122k $154k $186k $219k $251k $283k
Moderate confidence 34 listings (+12 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%  $126,500 Median  $175,000 $275,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Canberra Market

Canberra project managers earn $175k, well above the city's $136,785 all-roles median, which is itself the highest of any capital because federal government and defence salaries lift the whole market. The number rose $15k in a month and demand hit the 100th percentile, listings up from 22 to 34. Even so, Canberra trails Brisbane ($200k) and Perth ($168k) for the role, where resources and infrastructure pipelines pay more. The pull here is security-cleared government work, not the top salary.

Take Home Pay (based on median $175,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,340
Monthly (net)
~$10,140
Annual (net)
~$121,683
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $195,125

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?
Project manager is not an entry role, so the $126,500 floor represents junior PMs or coordinators stepping up. A federal security clearance (Baseline, NV1 or higher), Prince2 or Agile certification, and defence or government delivery experience are what push someone up the band fastest in Canberra specifically.
Is $175,000 a good salary in Canberra?
Yes. At $175k the median runs 28% above Canberra's already-high $136,785 all-roles median and nets around $122k after tax. Canberra's government-anchored economy means this pay is stable rather than cyclical, though the eastern-state resources markets still pay project managers more at the top end.
How much does a Senior Project Manager make in Canberra?
Senior project managers in Canberra reach $275k at the top decile, driven by large defence and federal programs. Getting there is about a high-level security clearance and running major government delivery, with program-director scope the step beyond individual project ownership.

Project Manager salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Canberra
Canberra (this page) $175,000 —
Brisbane $200,000 +14%
Perth $167,960 -4%
Adelaide $160,000 -9%
Gold Coast $160,000 -9%

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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.