Project Manager Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Project Managers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $120,000 and $250,000. That sits 68% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 178 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 1% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +30 listings vs last month
💰 Project Manager · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$120,000 – $250,000
Median: $160,000
May $160k
Jun $160k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $120,500 – $200,000
Senior level $151,256 – $275,000
Overall $120k–$250k Mid $120k–$200k Senior $151k–$275k $116k $149k $183k $216k $249k $283k
High confidence 178 listings (+30 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%  $120,000 Median  $160,000 $250,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne is the busiest project-manager market after Sydney, 178 listings, up from 148, yet it pays the least of the major capitals: $160,000, against Brisbane ($200k), Canberra ($175k) and Perth ($167,960). That $160k still runs 68% above Melbourne's own all-roles median of $95k, and the role splits from $160k at mid-level to $195k for seniors. Pay held flat while demand climbed, so the story is more roles, not better-paid ones, and Brisbane is where the same title earns $40k more.

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 Melbourne?
Project manager is not an entry role; the mid band starts near $120,500. The path in is usually from a coordinator, engineer, or contracts-administrator background, then owning a project's scope, budget, and schedule. A recognised methodology credential (PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile) plus a delivery record in a specific sector (construction, IT, infrastructure) is what moves pay up the band.
Is $160,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes, locally. At $160k the median earns 68% above Melbourne's all-roles median and nets roughly $112,500, enough to carry a mortgage in the middle-ring suburbs. The catch is geographic: the identical title pays $40k more in Brisbane, so a location-flexible PM leaves real money in Melbourne. For staying put, though, it is strong pay.
How much does a Senior Project Manager make in Melbourne?
Senior project managers in Melbourne earn a median of $195k, with the band reaching $275k. Getting there means running larger or multiple projects, owning a program of work, or stepping toward a Program Manager or delivery-lead role. Sector depth, a methodology credential, and ownership of budget and stakeholders at scale are what lift pay into the senior band, alongside a consistent delivery record.

Other roles in Melbourne

Project Manager salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $160,000 —
Brisbane $200,000 +25%
Canberra $175,000 +9%
Perth $167,960 +5%
Adelaide $160,000 ~same

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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.