Electrical engineer salary vs the national line
If you’re an electrical engineer in Australia, your pay is likely well above the national full-time average. But exactly where you sit on the salary line depends on where you work, who you work for, and whether you’re covered by an award or an enterprise agreement. This article explains how the national average, state differences, and award rates can move your salary off the line.
The national full-time average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52. That’s the line this site uses as its benchmark. Men averaged $2,181.50 per week ($113,438 per year) and women $1,934.50 ($100,594 per year). These are averages, not medians, so they can be pulled up by very high earners.
Median electrical engineer earnings
For a more typical figure, the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) gives median full-time weekly earnings for electrical engineers at $2,553. That’s about $132,756 per year – well above the national average. The median is the middle point: half of full-time electrical engineers earn more, half earn less. This occupation also has a high full-time share (92%) and a median age of 35, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. The median hourly rate is $67, compared to $47 for all occupations.
State differences
Where you live can shift your pay significantly. The ABS state averages for full-time adults (May 2026) range from $96,008 per year in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. Western Australia, with its strong mining and energy sector, averages $115,825. New South Wales is $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, and the Northern Territory $103,173. An electrical engineer in WA or the ACT is more likely to be above the national line than one in Tasmania, but individual roles vary.
Place a salary on the line to see how your own pay compares.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Many electrical engineers are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for classifications like Engineer Level 1 to Level 4. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. However, most electrical engineers earn above the award due to demand, enterprise agreements, or individual contracts. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, $52,255 per year on 38 hours), but that’s far below typical electrical engineer earnings.
Why your pay might be off the line
Even with a strong median, your salary can differ from the national average for several reasons:
- Industry: Electrical engineers in mining or electricity supply earn more than those in manufacturing or consulting. The ABS industry table shows mining full-time average weekly earnings of $3,224.20, while manufacturing is $1,843.10.
- Experience: The median age of 35 suggests many engineers are mid-career; entry-level roles pay less, senior roles more.
- Enterprise agreements: Union-negotiated agreements in sectors like energy can push pay above award.
- Location: As noted, state averages vary. Even within a state, city versus regional pay differs.
States and territories provides a breakdown of averages by location.
Putting it on the line
If you’re an electrical engineer earning $2,553 per week ($132,756 per year), you’re about $24,404 above the national full-time average line. But if you’re in Tasmania or early in your career, you might be closer to the line or even below it. The site’s line is a useful benchmark, but your actual pay depends on your specific circumstances. Use the Job medians page to compare with other professions.
Remember: the national average is from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. Medians are from ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025. The minimum wage is from Fair Work, effective 1 July 2026. These are distinct measures – don’t confuse them when assessing your own salary.