Electrical engineering salary data shows Australian professionals earn $120,214 on average per year. New engineers start at $100,000, while seasoned professionals can make up to $161,910 annually.
The mining and resources sector pays electrical engineers the highest rates at $151,812 yearly. Job opportunities look promising with a projected 9.5% growth expected over the next five years. This detailed salary guide helps both aspiring and current electrical engineers understand their earning potential. You’ll find salary breakdowns by industry, experience level, and location throughout Australia.
Current Electrical Engineering Salary Ranges
Salary data from 2025 reveals electrical engineers in Australia can earn between AUD 93,270 and AUD 194,180 per year. Here’s a detailed look at how compensation varies at different career stages.
Entry-level salaries
New electrical engineering graduates start with attractive pay packages. Their total compensation averages AUD 99,914 with less than a year of experience. Junior engineers see their earnings grow to AUD 130,051 after 1-3 years.
Starting salaries change by a lot based on location and industry. Engineers in mining and resources sectors earn much higher pay, starting at AUD 160,543. Brisbane offers better packages, with new engineers earning up to AUD 124,383.
Mid-career earnings
Engineers with 4-6 years of experience see their earnings jump to AUD 143,147. Those working in government and defense sectors earn about AUD 172,456.
Location makes a big difference in mid-career pay. Adelaide-based engineers earn AUD 197,510 on average, which is nowhere near what their Canberra peers make at AUD 141,064. Engineers working in Gladstone & Central Queensland earn even more at AUD 233,171.
Senior engineer compensation
Engineers with 7-9 years of experience get impressive pay packages. Base salaries range from AUD 149,840 to AUD 256,870. The total package with bonuses and benefits averages AUD 202,734.
Experience shapes senior-level earnings:
- 5-9 years: Total compensation averages AUD 187,183
- 10-20 years: Earnings grow to AUD 186,689
- 20+ years: Pay reaches AUD 226,596
Perth offers some of the best packages, with base salaries from AUD 191,120 to AUD 229,350. Total compensation in Perth can reach AUD 236,993 when you include bonuses and benefits.
Mining and resources sector tops the list with average salaries of AUD 232,119. Engineering firms come next at AUD 178,963. Team leaders and engineers with extra responsibilities earn more, with engineering managers making between AUD 183,478 and AUD 229,348.
Regional pay shows interesting trends for senior roles. Port Hedland, Karratha & Pilbara match Gladstone’s high pay at AUD 233,171. Bunbury & South West follows at AUD 221,703. Brisbane engineers earn around AUD 217,881, making it another great spot for experienced professionals.
Electrical Engineers Salary for Top-Paying Industries
Electrical engineers’ salaries vary significantly between industries. Here’s a look at sectors that pay the most competitive packages.
Mining and resources
The mining and resources sector pays electrical engineers in Australia better than any other industry. Engineers here earn an average of AUD 232,119, which is a big deal as it means that their earnings outpace other sectors.
Newcrest Mining leads the pack with remarkable compensation packages. Their engineers earn between AUD 353,200 and AUD 382,250 per year. The breakdown looks like this:
- Base salary: AUD 304,270
- Additional benefits: AUD 61,160 (bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions)
These packages are 48% above the industry standard. Engineers work with other professionals to manage complex machinery and keep critical infrastructure running.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy offers attractive salary prospects. New engineers start at AUD 198,563, while veterans can earn up to AUD 206,734. The yearly base pay averages AUD 202,647.
Your location plays a key role in determining renewable energy engineering salaries. The best-paying areas are:
- Sydney CBD
- Melbourne CBD
- Camberwell, VIC
Renewable energy engineers earn AUD 106.66 per hour, which adds up to about AUD 16,887 monthly. The field has many roles, from solar PV project management to wind farm engineering. Senior roles pay between AUD 275,218 and AUD 305,798.
Defense contracts
Defense contracts give electrical engineers stable, rewarding careers. The Royal Australian Navy’s packages range from AUD 171,250 to AUD 382,250 yearly. Engineers receive an average base salary of AUD 214,060, plus benefits worth AUD 76,450.
Sydney’s weapons electrical engineers earn 35% more than the standard Navy rate. Their total package includes:
- Base salary: AUD 214,058
- Performance bonuses
- Additional benefits
- Commission opportunities
Department of Defense positions pay 23.4% less than the national average for electrical engineers. The yearly pay averages AUD 134,303, though this changes based on location and specialty.
Looking at industry patterns reveals some insights. Government and defense jobs pay around AUD 172,456, ranking third among top-paying sectors. Engineering firms sit in the middle, paying about AUD 178,963.
Specialist roles command premium rates. Power systems engineers earn between AUD 120,790 and AUD 143,730, while energy consultants can make up to AUD 183,480. Senior energy consultants receive attractive packages averaging AUD 175,833.
The shift toward renewable energy creates new opportunities. Transgrid runs graduate programs focused on clean energy infrastructure. These roles blend electrical engineering expertise with renewable energy breakthroughs. Graduates can become:
- Project Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Project Controller
- Designer
Location Impact on Engineer Salaries
Location plays a crucial role in determining electrical engineering salaries throughout Australia. The pay scale shows notable differences between big cities and regional areas.
Major city rates
Perth tops the metropolitan earnings with median weekly rates reaching AUD 2,293. Melbourne comes in at AUD 2,217, while Sydney follows with AUD 2,165.
Brisbane attracts electrical engineers with average yearly salaries of AUD 217,881. Adelaide keeps pace by offering competitive pay at AUD 191,123.
The Australian Capital Territory stands out with exceptional earnings:
- The highest median weekly pay at AUD 2,580
- Yearly compensation averaging AUD 141,064
Each metropolitan area has its unique salary patterns based on industry presence. Sydney’s CBD, a social-first renewable energy hub, rewards engineers with premium packages. Melbourne’s engineering construction sector also pushes salaries above average.
Regional opportunities
Mining-rich territories offer attractive regional opportunities. Port Hedland, Karratha & Pilbara lead the pack with yearly salaries of AUD 233,171. Gladstone & Central Queensland matches these impressive figures.
The regional hotspots shine bright:
- Bunbury & South West: AUD 221,703
- Mackay & Coalfields: AUD 194,946
- Western Queensland: AUD 191,125
Regional Western Australia shows remarkable earning potential with median weekly earnings of AUD 2,204. Regional South Australia offers more modest weekly earnings at AUD 1,681.
Engineering construction shapes regional pay scales significantly. New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia handle 88% of started work. These states complete 89.7% of engineering construction projects.
Recent patterns show changing opportunities across regions. Engineering construction activity has dropped from AUD 64.98 billion to AUD 38.38 billion. All the same, permanent migration for engineers has jumped by 70.8%, creating new opportunities everywhere.
Temporary skilled migration affects regional salaries too, with a 34.8% rise in migrant engineers. This growth has affected job availability throughout 2023. The market still stays strong in clean energy transition and infrastructure development.
The Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Western Australia have the highest number of vacancies. Tasmania and the Northern Territory show lower engineering skill requirements. Cities keep drawing engineering talent, showing how work concentrates in metropolitan areas even though many projects happen in regional locations.
Boost Your Earning Potential
Making more money as an electrical engineer takes smart career planning. Let’s look at some proven ways to boost your total compensation package.
Key certifications
The Professional Engineer (PE) certification is the life-blood qualification that opens doors to leadership roles and consulting positions. You’ll qualify for state licensure after four years of experience and passing the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam.
These certifications are also valuable:
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) for sustainability expertise
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP) for manufacturing and robotics specialization
- Project Management Professional (PMP) for engineering project leadership
High-demand skills
Your earning potential directly links to specialized technical skills. Power systems engineering pays between AUD 120,790 and AUD 143,730. Energy consultants can earn up to AUD 183,480, while senior consultants average AUD 175,833.
Your competitive edge through 2025 depends on expertise in:
- Renewable energy technologies
- Industrial automation
- Power distribution systems
- Control systems design
Continuous learning is essential. Graduate qualifications associate with higher pay, so think about pursuing advanced degrees. Machine learning, IoT, and cybersecurity courses can boost your market value.
Negotiation strategies
Good salary negotiations start with solid preparation. Track your achievements throughout the year and highlight:
- Meeting or exceeding project goals
- Achieving budget targets
- Successful initiative launches
- Revenue or efficiency gains
Know your market value before any discussions. Poor preparation might lead you to undersell yourself and affect your long-term earning potential. Come prepared with a well-researched salary range spanning 15-20% between minimum and maximum figures.
Look at the total compensation package, not just the base salary. Take time to assess:
- Performance bonuses
- Healthcare benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements
- Additional leave
Timing matters in negotiations. You’ll have the strongest position after receiving a formal job offer since companies have already invested in choosing you. When salary comes up earlier, share a researched range instead of a specific number.
Note that each salary bump builds on previous ones, so successful negotiations fuel career growth. If the original offers fall short, explore other benefits or set future review dates. Stay professional throughout these talks since your approach shapes future opportunities.
Conclusion
Electrical engineering is a great career choice in Australia. Engineers can earn well in many sectors and locations. Entry-level positions start at AUD 99,914, while experienced professionals can make up to AUD 226,596. This is especially true for those working in mining and resources.
Your location makes a big difference in what you’ll earn. Cities like Perth and Sydney pay more, but regional areas like Port Hedland and Gladstone match these salaries well. Mining jobs in these areas are particularly rewarding.
You’ll need to keep learning new skills and plan your career moves carefully to succeed. Getting certifications like PE and CEM helps a lot. Knowledge of renewable energy and industrial automation can boost your earnings. Strong negotiation skills are a great way to get better packages with perks beyond your base pay.
The industry looks promising through 2025, with renewable energy and defense sectors leading the way. Electrical engineers who stay current with market trends and in-demand skills can build amazing careers. Their compensation packages often reflect their expertise and experience well.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average salary for electrical engineers in Australia in 2025? The average salary for electrical engineers in Australia is around AUD 120,214 per year. Entry-level positions start at about AUD 100,000, while experienced professionals can earn up to AUD 161,910 annually.
Q2. Which industries offer the highest salaries for electrical engineers? The mining and resources sector offers the highest salaries, with electrical engineers earning up to AUD 232,119 per year. Other top-paying industries include renewable energy and defense contracts.
Q3. How does experience affect an electrical engineer’s salary? Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level engineers (0-2 years) start around AUD 99,914, mid-career professionals (3-5 years) earn about AUD 143,147, and senior engineers (6+ years) can make over AUD 200,000 annually.
Q4. What are the best locations for high-paying electrical engineering jobs in Australia? Major cities like Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney offer high salaries. However, regional areas such as Port Hedland, Karratha & Pilbara, and Gladstone & Central Queensland also provide attractive compensation packages, especially in mining-related roles.
Q5. How can electrical engineers boost their earning potential? To increase earning potential, electrical engineers should pursue key certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), develop high-demand skills in areas such as renewable energy and industrial automation, and master effective salary negotiation strategies.
