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Australia
Mechanical Engineer salary guide Australia 2026
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Australia is $110,000, with pay ranging from $76,000 at entry level to $137,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Mechanical Engineer earn?
The median salary of Mechanical Engineers in Australia is $110,000. Most full-time roles fall within $89,000–$136,000, though entry-level positions start near $76,000. Gaining chartered status or pursuing specialised engineering disciplines can lift senior earnings towards $137,000.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Mechanical Engineer, nationally across Australia.
10th $89,000
25th $110,000
50th (median) $136,000
75th $158,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Mechanical Engineer salary by city
Brisbane offers the highest Mechanical Engineer salaries among Australia's major cities, at around $131,000. Demand in Sydney follows closely with median pay reaching $125,000, while major infrastructure projects sustain competitive packages nationwide.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Mechanical Engineer pay
Several key factors shape what you'll earn as a Mechanical Engineer. Your industry background and formal credentials influence where an offer lands, as do project leadership responsibilities.
Working in heavy industries like mining and resources or renewable energy often yields higher compensation than general manufacturing. High-capital projects typically provide premium remuneration packages to attract specialised talent.
Holding credentials like Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) opens senior sign-off responsibilities. Employers pay more for Mechanical Engineers who can legally certify designs.
Deep familiarity with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards sets high-earning professionals apart. Consultancies value practitioners who navigate complex regulatory environments without delay.
Leading complex packages across Building Services or water and wastewater infrastructure drives remuneration upward. Coordinating multidisciplinary teams demonstrates leadership capability that commands higher salaries.
Moving beyond early-career design work into project delivery and stakeholder management creates substantial pay progression. Senior Mechanical Engineers who manage client relationships and mentor junior colleagues secure upper-tier packages.
Comparison
How Mechanical Engineers compare to related roles
A Mechanical Engineer typically commands pay in line with an Electrical Engineer or Civil Engineer across heavy infrastructure and mining projects. Against a Structural Engineer or Systems Engineer, earnings remain competitive at mid-level, with specialised site commissioning and machinery certification often pushing senior mechanical packages ahead.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | $95,000–$148,000 | $120,000 | |
| Systems Engineer | $91,000–$142,000 | $114,000 | |
| Mechanical Engineer You are here | $89,000–$136,000 | $110,000 | |
| Civil Engineer | $88,000–$140,000 | $110,000 | |
| Structural Engineer | $90,000–$131,000 | $108,000 |
Employment Hero Job Data
Salary figures are derived from Employment Hero proprietary data. All figures represent base salary only and exclude bonuses, superannuation and other benefits. Last updated October 2026.
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