Software Engineer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Software Engineers in Sydney earn a median salary of $160,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $100,000 and $200,000. That sits 68% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 61 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 25% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +7 listings vs last month
💰 Software Engineer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $200,000
Median: $160,000
May $140k
Jun $160k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $100,000 – $160,000
Senior level $156,500 – $200,000
Overall $100k–$200k Mid $100k–$160k Senior $156k–$200k $97k $118k $140k $162k $184k $206k
Moderate confidence 61 listings (+7 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%  $100,000 Median  $160,000 $200,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The Sydney software engineer median jumped $19.8k on the month, from $140.2k to $160k, one of the sharpest rises in the batch and the opposite of the mix-shift drops seen in other roles. Here the shift is toward senior hiring: senior engineers (median $160k, 34 listings) now outnumber mid ($125k, 23 listings), pulling the overall figure up. The role sits 68% above Sydney's city median. Sydney also leads the eastern capitals, ahead of Melbourne ($155k) and Brisbane ($145k).

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 Software Engineer in Sydney?
The mid tier floor is $100k (p10), so even a junior software engineer in Sydney starts at six figures. Fluency in an in-demand stack, a computer-science degree or equivalent portfolio, and shipped production code are what carry an early-career engineer from the floor toward the $125k mid-tier median.
Is $160,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes, clearly. At $160k the median is 68% above Sydney's all-roles median and nets roughly $112.5k, strong even in the harbour city, and Sydney leads the eastern capitals for the role. Software engineering is among the best-paid roles tracked, and the recent rise shows senior demand is pulling rates up rather than down.
How much does a Senior Software Engineer make in Sydney?
Senior software engineers in Sydney sit at $160k, with the band reaching $200k (p90). The step from the $125k mid tier is technical depth and breadth: owning system design, leading on architecture, and mentoring a team, or moving toward staff-engineer and technical-lead roles that shape how a whole product is built.

Other roles in Sydney

Software Engineer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $160,000 —
Melbourne $155,000 -3%
Brisbane $145,000 -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.