Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia 2026: Latest Pay Scale, State-Wise Breakdown & Career Insights
Understanding the electrical engineer salary in Australia is essential for professionals planning their next career move in 2026. Whether you are a fresh graduate, a mid-career project engineer, or a senior electrical design specialist, salary expectations play a major role in decision making. Australia continues to offer strong opportunities across power generation, renewable energy, mining, infrastructure, and industrial automation. With increasing investment in solar farms, wind projects, battery storage systems, and transmission upgrades, demand remains steady.
Table of Contents
In this detailed guide, you will find the latest pay scale, a state-wise salary comparison, industry variations, and practical career insights to help you maximize your earning potential.
Average Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia in 2026
The electrical engineer salary in Australia in 2026 reflects stable growth compared to previous years. National infrastructure spending and renewable energy targets have pushed compensation upward, especially for experienced engineers.
On average:
- Entry-level electrical engineers earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 85,000 per year
- Mid-level engineers earn between AUD 95,000 and AUD 120,000 per year
- Senior electrical engineers earn between AUD 130,000 and AUD 170,000 per year
- Principal or lead engineers can exceed AUD 180,000 annually
The national average salary sits around AUD 110,000 to AUD 125,000 per year, depending on sector and location. Bonuses, site allowances, and overtime can further increase total compensation.
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Engineers working in high-demand sectors such as mining, oil and gas, high-voltage power systems, and renewable energy often earn above the national average.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience remains the strongest factor influencing the electrical engineer salary in Australia. Employers value hands-on project delivery, design expertise, and compliance knowledge.
Below is a simplified breakdown by years of experience:
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Engineer | 0–2 years | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| Junior Engineer | 2–5 years | 85,000 – 100,000 |
| Mid-Level Engineer | 5–10 years | 100,000 – 130,000 |
| Senior Engineer | 10–15 years | 130,000 – 160,000 |
| Principal/Lead Engineer | 15+ years | 160,000 – 190,000+ |
Graduate engineers working in design consultancies usually start at the lower end. Those entering mining, utilities, or major EPC contractors may start slightly higher due to project exposure and remote site incentives.
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State-Wise Breakdown of Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia
Location significantly impacts the electrical engineer salary in Australia. States with strong mining activity or major infrastructure projects generally offer higher pay.
Here is the state-wise comparison for 2026:
| State/Territory | Average Salary Range (AUD) | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | 115,000 – 150,000 | Mining, oil & gas, renewables |
| New South Wales | 105,000 – 135,000 | Infrastructure, rail, utilities |
| Victoria | 100,000 – 130,000 | Manufacturing, renewables |
| Queensland | 105,000 – 140,000 | Mining, solar farms |
| South Australia | 95,000 – 125,000 | Defence, wind energy |
| Australian Capital Territory | 100,000 – 130,000 | Government projects |
| Tasmania | 90,000 – 115,000 | Hydro power |
| Northern Territory | 110,000 – 145,000 | Remote energy projects |
Western Australia continues to lead due to mining operations and remote industrial projects. Engineers working on FIFO arrangements often receive additional allowances, boosting total income.
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Industry-Wise Salary Comparison
The electrical engineer salary in Australia also depends heavily on the industry sector. Engineers working in specialized or high-risk environments are generally paid more.
| Industry | Average Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mining & Resources | 120,000 – 170,000 |
| Oil & Gas | 130,000 – 180,000 |
| Renewable Energy | 105,000 – 145,000 |
| Power Generation & Transmission | 110,000 – 150,000 |
| Building Services | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| Manufacturing | 95,000 – 125,000 |
| EPC & Construction | 100,000 – 140,000 |
Mining and oil sectors typically offer the highest compensation. However, renewable energy is catching up rapidly due to national decarbonization goals and grid modernization projects.
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Salary Based on Job Role
Different job titles result in different pay scales. The electrical engineer salary in Australia varies widely between design, maintenance, project management, and site roles.
| Job Role | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Electrical Design Engineer | 95,000 – 130,000 |
| Power Systems Engineer | 110,000 – 150,000 |
| Project Engineer | 105,000 – 140,000 |
| Maintenance Engineer | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| Control Systems Engineer | 100,000 – 145,000 |
| High Voltage Engineer | 120,000 – 160,000 |
| Electrical Project Manager | 140,000 – 180,000 |
High-voltage specialists, protection engineers, and grid connection experts command premium salaries because of technical complexity and regulatory compliance requirements.
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Factors Influencing Salary Growth
Several elements impact how quickly the electrical engineer salary in Australia increases over time.
Professional Registration
Engineers registered with Engineers Australia or holding Chartered status often receive higher pay. Certification demonstrates competency and leadership capability.
Technical Skills
Experience in ETAP, PowerFactory, AutoCAD Electrical, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and protection coordination improves market value.
Renewable Energy Experience
Engineers involved in solar PV design, wind farm grid integration, battery energy storage systems, and transmission upgrades see strong salary progression.
Project Exposure
Working on large EPC projects, substations, or transmission lines enhances employability and negotiation power.
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Location Flexibility
Willingness to work in remote regions or FIFO roles increases compensation through allowances.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia for Migrants
Australia continues to attract skilled electrical engineers through skilled migration programs. The electrical engineer salary in Australia for migrants generally aligns with local professionals if qualifications are recognized.
Engineers with overseas experience in power systems, industrial plants, or infrastructure projects can secure competitive packages. Recognition by Engineers Australia and proper skills assessment are essential for better job offers.
Cities such as Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney provide the strongest employment prospects for international engineers.
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Contract vs Permanent Salary Comparison
Many engineers consider contract roles for higher short-term income. The electrical engineer salary in Australia for contract positions is typically calculated on a daily rate.
| Employment Type | Typical Pay Structure |
|---|---|
| Permanent Role | 100,000 – 140,000 annually |
| Contract Role | 600 – 1,000 per day |
Contract roles may offer higher gross income, but permanent roles provide job security, superannuation contributions, and leave benefits.
Future Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
The outlook for the electrical engineer salary in Australia remains positive. The national energy transition plan includes significant investment in transmission infrastructure and renewable integration.
Major drivers include:
- Expansion of solar and wind farms
- Grid stability and battery storage projects
- Electrification of transport
- Upgrades to aging power infrastructure
- Smart grid and automation systems
Engineers with skills in grid connection studies, protection systems, and power system analysis will likely see above-average salary growth.
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Career Tips to Increase Your Salary
If your goal is to improve your electrical engineer salary in Australia, consider these practical steps.
Develop Specialized Expertise
Focus on high-demand areas such as high-voltage design, power system modeling, or renewable integration.
Obtain Chartered Status
Chartered Professional Engineer recognition improves credibility and pay scale.
Move Into Project Leadership
Transitioning into project engineering or project management roles significantly increases compensation.
Upgrade Software Skills
Advanced knowledge of simulation tools and automation platforms enhances your market value.
Be Open to Relocation
Opportunities in Western Australia or Queensland mining regions often offer higher total packages.
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Conclusion
The electrical engineer salary in Australia in 2026 reflects a strong and stable engineering market. With average earnings ranging from AUD 100,000 to over AUD 150,000 depending on experience and location, the profession continues to offer excellent financial prospects.
State location, industry sector, technical specialization, and professional registration all play critical roles in determining pay scale. Engineers willing to upgrade skills and work on complex infrastructure or renewable energy projects can expect steady salary growth in the coming years.
For graduates and experienced professionals alike, Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for electrical engineering careers. With strategic planning and continuous skill development, achieving a higher electrical engineer salary in Australia is both realistic and achievable. Know more about Electrical Engineer Salary in Ghana
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