DevOps Engineer Salary in Australia: How to Compare Offers Using the Salary Index

What does 'devops engineer salary' mean in Australia?

When you search for a devops engineer salary in Australia, you're usually trying to work out what you should be paid or whether a job offer is fair. The trouble is, there's no single official figure. The Australian Bureau of Statistics doesn't list 'devops engineer' as an occupation, and the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides don't mention it either. So how do you know if an offer is good?

The answer is to use the Salary Index, which compares any salary to the national benchmark: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is index 100. Every dollar you earn above or below that line shows up as an index number. It's a simple way to compare offers across states, industries, and experience levels.

Using the index when you read a job ad

Let's say you see a job ad for a DevOps engineer in Sydney offering $140,000. Divide $140,000 by $108,352 and multiply by 100 – you get an index of about 129. That means the offer is 29% above the national line. Now check the states page: New South Wales has an index of 101.2, so an index of 129 is well above the state average. That's a strong sign the offer is competitive.

But what if the job is in Hobart? Tasmania's index is 88.6, so the same $140,000 would be even more attractive relative to local earnings. The index helps you see the real purchasing power of an offer.

Industry context for DevOps roles

DevOps engineers often work in technology, consulting, or professional services. The industries page shows that Professional, Scientific and Technical Services has an index of 114.7 – that's about $124,000 annualised. If you're offered less than that, you might be below the industry average. If you're in mining (index 154.7), a DevOps role could pay much more, but those jobs are rarer.

Remember, these are ordinary-time earnings benchmarks, not a guarantee. Your actual pay depends on your skills, the company size, and whether you're in a capital city or regional area.

Awards and minimums

Most DevOps engineers are not covered by a modern award, but some might fall under the Professional Employees Award 2020 if their role involves professional ICT duties. The award minimum rates are far lower than market rates – for example, a Level 1 ICT professional might get around $1,200 per week (index 55). That's a floor, not a target. If you're offered award rates, you're being underpaid for the market.

You can check current award pay guides on the pay guides page, but for DevOps roles the award is rarely relevant. Most employers use individual contracts or enterprise agreements.

What about super and tax?

When you see a salary figure, check whether it includes superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your base salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a $130,000 salary plus super means your employer pays an extra $15,600 into your super fund. That's not take-home pay, but it's part of your total compensation.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are:

• $0–$18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15%
• $45,001–$135,000: 30%
• $135,001–$190,000: 37%
• Over $190,000: 45%

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A $130,000 salary would land you in the 30% bracket, so your take-home after tax and Medicare is roughly $95,000 (ignoring HELP or other deductions). The how the index works page explains how to estimate net pay.

Comparing multiple offers

If you have two offers – one in Melbourne for $125,000 and one in Perth for $135,000 – use the index. Melbourne (Victoria) has an index of 98, so $125,000 gives an index of 115. Perth (Western Australia) has an index of 106.9, so $135,000 gives an index of 125. The Perth offer is stronger relative to local earnings. But also consider cost of living: rent in Perth may be lower than Melbourne, so the index alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Where to find more information

For official earnings data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes Average Weekly Earnings and Employee Earnings and Hours. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for awards, and the Fair Work Commission has the Modern Awards Pay Database. None of these will give you a 'devops engineer salary', but they give you the context to evaluate any offer.

The bottom line

A devops engineer salary in Australia is whatever the market will pay, and the market varies by state, industry, and employer. The Salary Index gives you a consistent ruler. Aim for an index above your state's average and above your industry's average. If you're below 100, you're earning less than the typical full-time adult. If you're above 120, you're doing well. Use the topics page to explore other roles and comparisons.

Remember: the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark. Your actual take-home depends on tax, super, and any salary sacrifice. But as a starting point for comparing offers, it's the best tool we have.