Project Manager Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated 05/07/2026

Project Managers in Sydney earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $115,000 and $273,000. That sits 68% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 229 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +31 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$115,000 – $273,000

Median: $160,000

May $160k

Jun $160k

→ Stable

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

Entry level	$85,000 – $155,000
Mid level	$125,000 – $250,000
Senior level	$160,000 – $275,000

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 $273,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney pays project managers less than three other capitals despite being the busiest market in the country for the role. The $160k median trails Brisbane ($200k), Canberra ($175k) and Perth ($168k), where infrastructure and resources project pipelines are pulling harder on a smaller pool of candidates. What Sydney has instead is volume: 229 listings in June, up from 198 in May, the highest demand of any role tracked in the city. The pay itself has not moved (the median sat at $160k last month too), so the real story is more work, not better-paid work.

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 Sydney?

Entry-level project manager roles in Sydney advertise around $100k, with a junior band running from $85k to $155k. That upper figure goes to people stepping across from a construction, engineering or PMO background rather than starting cold, so a relevant degree plus site or coordination experience is what moves you up the range. The entry sample is small this month at 13 listings, so treat the exact numbers as directional.

Is $160,000 a good salary in Sydney?

Yes. At $160k the median project manager earns 68% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95k, which puts the role in the top demand tier for the city and comfortably ahead of most white-collar work. Sydney is expensive, but $160k nets roughly $112k after tax, enough to carry a mortgage in the middle-ring suburbs. The catch is geographic: the same title pays $40k more in Brisbane, so if you are location-flexible the harbour view is costing you real money.

How much does a Senior Project Manager make in Sydney?

Senior project managers in Sydney sit at a $200k median, with the top band reaching $275k for programme-level roles. Getting there is about scope rather than years: the jump from mid to senior tracks the move from running a single project to owning a portfolio or a multi-stream programme, usually in financial services or major infrastructure. A recognised credential (PMP or PRINCE2) plus real accountability for delivery budgets is what separates the $200k band from the $160k mid-tier.

Other roles in Sydney

Project Manager salaries in other cities

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

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