If you’re a software engineer in Australia, it’s time to buckle up because the nation’s Application Development Software market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.
According to recent projections, the market’s upward trajectory is expected to continue with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 5.56%, resulting in a market volume of AUD 4.05 bn by 2029.
Australia’s booming tech industry has led to a surge in demand for application development software, creating opportunities for skilled local software engineers.
While 31% of employers say they will hire application development talent like software engineers, backend developers, full-stack developers and DevOps specialists in 2025, 79% of tech workers say it is a more challenging time than ever to negotiate a pay rise*.
Perhaps you’re a mid to senior-level developer looking to benchmark your salary or a software engineer weighing up job offers. Whatever your role, there’s nothing wrong with a need for fair compensation, a desire for validation and healthy career ambitions.
What matters is that you have access to transparent salary data and industry info that can set you on the right path to salary success. Ultimately, businesses in today’s hiring market are reliant on software engineering professionals like you to drive their digital agendas forward.
This blog will serve as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the salary negotiation process in Australia. We’ll provide practical strategies and industry insights that will simplify your software engineering salary negotiations so you can justify your worth and maximise your remuneration.
Software engineering overview
According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission's ‘Digital Technology Report’, Australia’s A$167 billion tech sector is growing by an average of 16% per year. This thriving ecosystem is set to contribute a predicted A$250 billion to the Australian economy by 2030.
Within the dynamic tech realm, five sectors are renowned for having a value of over A$30 billion. These include Business Software, Biotech, Medical Devices, Media & Design and Paytech.
Software engineers in Australia play a pivotal role in the nation’s digital transformation, fostering further growth and innovation. You will work to design, develop and maintain robust software solutions that meet the needs of businesses and individuals across many industries (including those above).
It’s important to note that many factors can influence your software engineering salary, including the three below:
Education and certification
In Australia, it’s typically expected that software engineers pursue a formal education to build their foundational skills.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 58.3% of Software Engineers hold a Bachelor’s Degree, while 29% hold a Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology is generally the preference for employers.
Professionals who decide to pursue a Postgraduate Degree may study a Master’s in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or specialised fields like Artificial Intelligence or Data Science. While this is optional, it can be a valuable means to aid career advancement or specialisation.
Aside from tertiary education, industry certifications, practical training and short courses are valuable ways to build your expertise with specific tools, platforms and emerging technologies.
As outlined in the Robert Half Salary Guide, some of the most in-demand certifications and degrees in IT and technology include:
Microsoft 365 - modern workplace certifications
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Cyber and Information Security
Azure/AWS developer certifications/AI fundamentals
Azure/AWS infrastructure certifications
Linux
Cisco
Skills
A combination of formal education and practical experience can help to build a highly coveted skill set.
As a software engineer in Australia, you’ll need a mix of technical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to stay agile and adaptable in the tech sector.
Some essential technical skills include:
Programming proficiency – Whether it’s Java, Python or JavaScript, having expertise in diverse programming languages will make you a valuable asset.
An understanding of data structures and algorithms – As the foundation for software systems, data structures and algorithms must be mastered to manage the information within a program’s code. Consider arrays, linked lists, trees and graphs your second language!
Cloud computing proficiency – With platforms like AWS, Google Cloud and Azure gaining momentum, cloud knowledge is a must.
Cybersecurity awareness – Safeguarding software against vulnerabilities isn’t optional, it’s essential. A comprehensive understanding of secure coding practices will make you an asset to any business wanting to bolster its cybersecurity.
An understanding of software development methodologies, databases and SQL – Your approach to software development and database concepts will go a long way in sharpening your competitive edge. Your knowledge of Structured Query Language, as well as your use of agile, waterfall, DevOps and database management systems, will help to strengthen your reputation as a capable software engineer.
Some essential soft skills include:
Problem-solving – To analyse complex problems, think critically and design scalable solutions.
Communication and collaboration – To liaise with multidisciplinary teams and achieve results effectively and efficiently.
Adaptability – To stay abreast of an ever-evolving industry, learning quickly and integrating new technologies as they emerge.
Attention to detail – To ensure an unwavering commitment to quality.
Time management and organisation – To deliver projects on time and on target.
Experience
The extent of experience required for Australian software engineers can vary depending on the role’s seniority, the industry and specific employer requirements. Irrespective of your formal qualifications, organisations expect their software engineers to have a combination of hands-on experience, technical proficiency, problem-solving capabilities and adaptability.
Let’s take a look at the expected experience for different levels of seniority.
Entry-level positions
Practical experience - Internships, academic projects or personal software initiatives.
Basic work experience – 0-2 years of relevant experience in a junior or support role to learn and build key skills.
Mid-level positions
Professional experience – 2-5 years of hands-on experience in software development or related roles.
Project ownership – A proven track record of leading team projects.
Technical proficiency – Demonstrated ability to work with multiple programming languages, frameworks and key tools and technologies.
Problem-solving and debugging – Proven ability to independently resolve complex technical issues.
Senior-level positions
Leadership experience – 5+ years of leadership experience.
System design – A proven ability to design scalable and sustainable systems.
Strategic contributions – A history of impactful contributions to align software initiatives with business goals.
Domain expertise – Specialised knowledge in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity or specific industry sectors.
Related: Software Engineer vs. Systems Engineer: What’s the Difference?
What you need to know about a software engineering salary
According to Sam Rothery, Associate Director at Robert Half and specialised software engineering recruiter, there are some big opportunities on the horizon.
He says, “At a time when digital transformation is critical, businesses rely on software engineering professionals to drive the evolution (and elevation) of their software applications and systems.”
Sam recognises that it’s only fair for experience and expertise to be properly compensated.
“I’ve had many conversations with professionals who take a lot of pride in what they do but feel uninformed and underpaid when it comes to their software engineering salary. Negotiation anxiety is a real issue, and I want all software engineering professionals to feel educated and empowered when they approach these major discussions,” he says.
When it comes to a software engineering salary in Australia, it’s important to recognise that your earning potential is influenced by your level of experience, education and the industry you work in.
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, software engineering professionals can typically expect salaries around the below ranges**:
Junior position (i.e. Junior .Net Developer or Junior Java Developer)
Beginner -$70k
Mid-level - $77k
Advanced -$84k
Mid-level position (i.e. Front End/JavaScript Developer or Node.js/Full Stack JavaScript Developer)
Beginner -$92k
Mid-level - $115k
Advanced -$131k
Senior position (i.e. Senior Front End/JavaScript Developer)
Beginner -$141k
Mid-level - $153.5k
Advanced -$169k
Software engineering encompasses a range of different positions – you’ll find all of the below within The Robert Half Salary Guide:
Software Developer
Junior .Net Developer
.Net Developer
Senior .Net Developer
Technical Lead .Net Developer
Principal .Net Developer
Junior JAVA Developer
JAVA Developer
Senior JAVA Developer
Junior Front End / JavaScript Developer
Front End / JavaScript Developer
Senior Front End / JavaScript Developer
Junior Node.js / Full Stack JavaScript Developer
Node.js / Full Stack JavaScript Developer
Senior Node.js / Full Stack JavaScript Developer
Junior Python Developer
Python Developer
Senior Python Developer
Software Development Manager
Integration Engineer
AI/ML Engineer
Need help finding a job? Let Robert Half help you today.
As we enter 2025, Sam says it’s important to understand the defining software engineering salary trends.
He says, “We have just launched the Robert Half 2025 Australia Salary Guide. I’ve seen great consistency between software engineering salaries in 2024 and 2025. Due to market conditions and a few years of tech salary hikes, salaries have stabilised for the moment. I’d encourage all software engineers to take a good look at this data because, in some cases, we are seeing some state-by-state variations.”
“A software engineering salary in Perth, for example, sits 9% above the national average. It proves that location does have a major impact, particularly when you consider factors such as competition, availability of talent and regional talent costs.”
“Of course, factors like education, skills and experience will always impact your salary. Be clear on the general salary range for your role. If you’re striving for a higher range, know that advancing your skills, experience, and qualifications will be essential in maximising your earning capacity, ” says Sam.
Tips for negotiating a software engineering salary
Salary negotiations can seem daunting, especially if you’re unsure whether the package aligns with your worth (or industry standards).
When negotiating your software engineering salary, it’s important to remember that, generally, what you put in is what you get out.
If you take the time to do your research and build a unique value proposition, you can be on your way to securing fair compensation for your skills and services.
Ready to beat the negotiation anxiety? Be sure to try our four tips below:
Know your worth
Understanding the prevailing salary trends will help you to navigate negotiations so you can be confident in your worth and make a compelling case.
Undertake your own research and consider how the offer fits in the context of the wider market. The 2025 Robert Half Salary Guide offers comprehensive salary data and insights to help you determine whether an offer is within the market range for your experience and position level.
If the offer is below the market averages or you feel you are worth more, it’s important to justify this to your employer or prospective employer.
Sam encourages candidates to be realistic.
He says, “I want software engineers to secure a top salary. However, I’d also encourage them to negotiate from an informed position. Ask yourself whether you’re in a position to negotiate a higher salary or whether you need to build on some skills or qualifications to hit a more advanced salary range.”
“Also, acknowledge regional differences (as outlined in The Robert Half Salary Guide). In doing so, you’ll know where you have room to negotiate based on your location. For example, a software engineer in Sydney can expect a salary 8% above the national average, whereas a software engineer in Melbourne or Brisbane can only expect a salary that’s 2% above the national average,” he says.
Prepare for negotiation
Before you commence your negotiations, take the time to distil your value by evaluating your current role, job history, skills and contributions.
Be prepared to justify your desired salary - use quantifiable evidence to highlight your achievements, professional growth activities, and future aspirations while aligning them to the organisation’s objectives.
Sam says, “Gather any evidence that will help to sharpen your competitive edge – think recent achievements, industry certifications or any niche skill sets that may increase your business appeal.”
“While hard skills are critical, it’s important to call out your soft skills too. Some of the most successful software engineers are those who are efficient, effective and empathetic. This approach makes them stellar communicators, project managers and collaborators.”
Master the conversation
Sam believes preparation, confidence and strategic communication can help you master the conversation during your software engineer salary negotiation.
He says, “I always encourage professionals to leverage scripts or templates tailored for common negotiation scenarios. They can help you to articulate your value, respond to challenging questions and address counteroffers.”
“I work with software engineers who have prepared scripts outlining their skills, experience and market trends to justify their desired salary. It’s an effective way to stay composed and persuasive. At the very least, practising responses to tough questions can help to field interview questions with ease.”
Remember, negotiation success hinges on how you conduct yourself, so be sure to maintain a collaborative yet confident approach.
Remain polite, positive, and professional throughout the process - be open to compromises and feedback, but take charge of the situation positively to help assert your confidence and preparedness for further negotiations.
Leverage market trends
2025 is set to bring about some significant market trends. As outlined in the latest Robert Half Salary Guide:
Job security remains a top priority for IT and tech employees following market volatility. 41% of tech employees prioritise job security over salary in the current market.
Experts in infrastructure, service and security are expected to be most sought after as companies seek to optimise their security systems and capitalise on new technology to stay competitive.
Financial services, healthcare and aged care, manufacturing, transport and mining services are among the sectors most heavily recruiting for tech professionals in Australia.
As companies migrate to cloud-based software solutions, there is high demand for skilled cloud integration engineers who can transition businesses from on-premises to cloud environments.
Rather than committing to permanent hires, employers are opting for contractors to address urgent demands. 73% of Australian businesses plan to hire tech contractors in the next 12 months for new or existing positions, predominately in the areas of security, application development and networking.
With all of this in mind, Sam says it’s important to leverage market trends in your software engineer salary negotiation.
He says, “These patterns should guide the direction of your negotiations. For example, the shift towards remote work has significantly impacted pay expectations, creating opportunities to negotiate based on flexibility and cost-of-living adjustments.”
“Additionally, staying informed about in-demand skills like cloud computing and cybersecurity can strengthen your position, as employers often pay a premium for expertise in these areas.”
Above all, Sam says it’s important to consider the value beyond salary.
“During any salary negotiation, it’s important to evaluate the package as a whole. Salary isn’t the only factor to consider - it’s important to assess what additional benefits could form the best package for you. Things like flexible work hours, hybrid working models and extra annual leave entitlements can help to enrich your employee experience,” he says.
As we enter 2025, leaders want to know they have the best IT talent protecting and building their business. At the same time, technology professionals like yourself want to know that your tireless work in the software engineering space is fairly compensated. With the right information and the right preparation, you can navigate these critical salary conversations with confidence. Say goodbye to negotiation anxiety and hello to powerful persuasion.
Looking for software engineering opportunities? Robert Half is ready to match your skills with some exciting opportunities.
Uncover your earning potential in the Robert Half Salary Guide so you can start your salary discussions with the most up-to-date salary data and insights.
*Source: The non-salary data presented is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 hiring managers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia.
**The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average software engineering salary?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the average software engineering salary sits around the below range:
Beginner - $111k
Mid-level - $125k
Advanced – 140k
What is the salary range for software engineers?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, software engineering professionals can typically expect salaries around the below ranges**:
Junior position (i.e. Junior .Net Developer or Junior Java Developer)
Beginner -$70k
Mid-level - $77k
Advanced -$84k
Mid-level position (i.e. Front End/JavaScript Developer or Node.js/Full Stack JavaScript Developer)
Beginner -$92k
Mid-level - $115k
Advanced -$131k
Senior position (i.e. Senior Front End/JavaScript Developer)
Beginner -$141k
Mid-level - $153.5k
Advanced -$169k
What factors influence a software engineer's salary?
Many factors can influence your software engineering salary, particularly:
Education and certification
Skills
Experience
Location
How can I negotiate a higher software engineer salary?
Know your worth
Prepare for negotiation
Master the conversation
Leverage market trends
How can I increase my salary as a software engineer?
Of course, factors like education, skills and experience will always impact your salary. Be clear on the general salary range for your role. If you’re striving for a higher range, know that advancing your skills, experience, and qualifications will be essential in maximising your earning capacity.
Also, be mindful of state-by-state salary variations, which can give way to salaries that sit above the national average.
What are the different types of software engineering jobs and their salaries?
Software engineering encompasses a range of different positions. You’ll find all of the relevant roles, along with their respective salaries, in The Robert Half Salary Guide.