Electrical engineering salary vs the national line
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average sits at $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the line that Place a salary on the line uses as its benchmark. For electrical engineers, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,553, based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, as reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to roughly $132,756 a year before tax. The gap between the median and the average shows that electrical engineers typically earn more than the typical full-time worker, but the figure can shift depending on where you work and under which award.
How the national average is built
The ABS calculates the average by dividing total weekly ordinary-time earnings by the number of full-time adult employees. It includes all industries and states. The national figure hides a lot of variation. Men's full-time ordinary-time average is about $113,412 a year, women's about $100,594. State averages also differ: New South Wales $2,108.80 a week ($109,658), Victoria $2,041.10 ($106,137), Queensland $2,039.70 ($106,064), South Australia $1,970.20 ($102,450), Western Australia $2,227.40 ($115,825), Tasmania $1,846.30 ($96,008), Northern Territory $1,984.10 ($103,173), and the ACT $2,290.20 ($119,090). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, $52,255 a year on 38 hours. Award minimums rose 4.75% from that date.
Where electrical engineering sits
The median of $2,553 a week is a median for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. That is the best available public figure for electrical engineers. It is about 22.5% above the national full-time average. But not all electrical workers earn that much. The Fair Work Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025) sets minimum rates for electrical workers in contracting. For example, an Electrical worker grade 5 with all allowances earns $1,223.11 a week. That is below the national average. The median for engineers is higher because it includes experienced professionals, not award minimums. The award rates for higher grades go up to grade 10 at $1,478.72 a week. But the median is a better guide for a typical engineer.
Why a state can move the figure off the line
State averages vary. Western Australia's full-time average is $2,227.40 a week. Electrical engineers in WA often work in mining, which has an average of $3,224.20 a week for all employees. That can push an individual salary above the national line. Conversely, an electrician on award in Tasmania might earn the minimum, which is below the line. The States and territories page shows the state averages. The Job medians page lists medians for occupations. For electrical engineers, the median is above the national line.
How an award can move the figure
The award sets minimums. If you are an electrical worker under the award, your pay is at least the grade rate. But if you are an electrical engineer, you are likely covered by a different classification or enterprise agreement. The award rates are lower than the median. For example, an Electrical worker grade 8 with all allowances earns $1,387.11 a week, which is about $72,130 a year. That is below the national average. The median for engineers is higher because it includes professionals. The award is a floor, not a typical salary.
Using the line tool
You can Place a salary on the line to see how any figure compares to the national average. The tool shows weekly and hourly amounts on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the line. For an electrical engineering salary of $2,553 a week, the tool would show it above the line. For an award rate of $1,223.11, it would show below.
Tax considerations
Resident tax for 2026-27: nil to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy 2% before reductions. An electrical engineer earning $132,756 would be in the 30% bracket plus Medicare. An award worker earning $72,130 would be in the 15% bracket. The Guides have more on tax.
Summary
Electrical engineering salary is above the national full-time average, but state and award can move it. The median is $2,553 a week, but award minimums are lower. Use the line tool to compare your own salary.