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Australia
Project Engineer salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Project Engineer salary in Australia is $133,000, with pay ranging from $78,000 at entry level to $165,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Project Engineer earn?
The median salary of Project Engineers in Australia is $133,000. Most roles sit within a typical range of $110,000–$160,000, depending on your discipline and site experience. Senior Project Engineers with specialised credentials can earn up to $165,000, while those starting out typically begin near $78,000.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Project Engineer, nationally across Australia.
10th $110,000
25th $133,000
50th (median) $160,000
75th $189,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Project Engineer salary by city
Perth offers the highest Project Engineer salaries among Australia's major cities, at around $131,000. Demand remains strong across regional hubs and capital centres, with Brisbane close behind at $130,000.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Project Engineer pay
Several key factors influence what you can earn as a Project Engineer. Your industry sector, technical credentials and the complexity of projects you deliver all shape your earning potential.
Remuneration varies significantly across sectors. Roles in mining, structural mechanical piping (SMP) and major renewable energy developments often offer higher pay than light commercial construction.
Holding Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status demonstrates verified technical competence and leadership. Employers frequently offer premium packages to chartered professionals who can lead compliance and sign off on complex engineering packages.
On-site delivery roles in regional or remote areas often command substantial allowances. Positions involving fly-in fly-out (FIFO) rosters or remote civil infrastructure typically outpace standard metropolitan office roles.
Coordination across diverse trades, subcontractors and design teams requires sharp interpersonal skills. Project Engineers who demonstrate advanced stakeholder management can negotiate higher salaries.
Deep familiarity with Australian Standards and environmental legislation makes you invaluable to project delivery. Contractors actively reward engineers who keep projects aligned with safety regulations and contractual milestones.
Comparison
How Project Engineers compare to related roles
A Project Engineer typically earns in line with a Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, reflecting similar site delivery and technical demands. Against design-focused Structural Engineers or Electrical Engineers, Project Engineers often command a lead once site allowances and commercial contract oversight come into play.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Engineer You are here | $110,000–$160,000 | $133,000 | |
| Electrical Engineer | $95,000–$148,000 | $120,000 | |
| Civil Engineer | $88,000–$140,000 | $110,000 | |
| Mechanical Engineer | $89,000–$136,000 | $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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