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Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax
Learn about the electrical engineer salary in Australia, including median weekly earnings, salary index comparison, superannuation, and tax implications based on official data.
Electrical engineers earn a median salary index of approximately 122, well above the national line of 100.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Australia: What the Data Shows
When people search for an "electrical engineer salary" in Australia, they are usually after a realistic figure that accounts for gross pay, superannuation, and tax. This guide uses the most recent public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Fair Work Ombudsman to give you a clear picture. We also explain how the Salary Index works so you can compare any pay figure against the national line.
Where the Numbers Come From
The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, provides the median full-time weekly earnings for electrical engineers (ANZSCO 2333) at $2,553. That is before tax and salary sacrifice. The median hourly rate is $67, and 92% of electrical engineers work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week. These figures are published by Jobs and Skills Australia and are the most reliable benchmark for professional electrical engineers.
It is important to distinguish this from the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020, which covers electrical trades (such as electricians and technicians). That award sets minimum weekly rates from $1,046.31 (Grade 1) to $1,478.72 (Grade 10) as of July 2026. Professional engineers are not covered by that award; their salaries are typically negotiated individually or under enterprise agreements.
How the Salary Index Applies
The Salary Index sets 100 as the national line for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 annualised (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To find the index for an electrical engineer:
- Annualise the median weekly earnings: $2,553 × 52 = $132,756.
- Divide by the national line: $132,756 ÷ $108,352 = 1.225.
- Multiply by 100: index of 122.5.
This means the typical electrical engineer earns about 22.5% above the national average. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the professional, scientific and technical services industry (where many engineers work) has an index of 114.7. You can explore other industries and states to see how location affects pay.
Gross Pay and Superannuation
Gross pay is the amount before tax and other deductions. For an electrical engineer on the median salary, that is $132,756 per year. On top of that, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For our median earner:
- Super contribution: $132,756 × 12% = $15,931.
- Total remuneration (salary + super): $148,687.
Super is not part of your take-home pay but is a valuable component of your overall compensation. It is paid into a fund of your choice and generally cannot be accessed until retirement.
Tax on an Electrical Engineer Salary
Resident tax rates for 2026-27 (excluding Medicare) are:
- Nil up to $18,200.
- 15% from $18,201 to $45,000.
- 30% from $45,001 to $135,000.
- 37% from $135,001 to $190,000.
- 45% above $190,000.
A salary of $132,756 sits just below the 37% threshold, so most of it is taxed at 30%. The estimated tax (including the 2% Medicare levy) is roughly $39,700, leaving a take-home pay of about $93,000. This is a simplified estimate; actual tax depends on deductions, HELP repayments, and other factors.
What About Award Rates?
If you are an electrical tradesperson rather than a professional engineer, your minimum pay is set by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. The pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website list the latest rates. For example, an Electrical Worker Grade 5 (with industry, tool, and licence allowances) earns $1,223.11 per week or $31.13 per hour as of July 2026. That annualises to about $63,602, which is an index of 58.7 — well below the professional engineer median. Always check your classification and any applicable allowances.
Key Takeaways
- The median electrical engineer salary in Australia is $2,553 per week ($132,756 per year), giving a salary index of 122.5.
- Superannuation adds 12%, making total remuneration around $148,687.
- After tax and Medicare, take-home pay is roughly $93,000.
- Award rates for electrical trades are significantly lower and set by the Fair Work Commission.
- For personalised calculations, use the Salary Index to compare any offer against the national line.
This guide is based on public data from the ABS and Fair Work Ombudsman. Individual salaries vary by experience, location, and employer.
Questions people ask
What is the median electrical engineer salary in Australia?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for electrical engineers is $2,553, which annualises to about $132,756. This places the salary index at approximately 122, meaning electrical engineers earn 22% more than the national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
How does superannuation affect an electrical engineer's total remuneration?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an electrical engineer earning the median salary, the employer would contribute about $15,931 per year in super, making total remuneration around $148,687.
What tax does an electrical engineer pay on their salary?
For the 2026-27 financial year, a resident electrical engineer earning $132,756 would fall into the 37% marginal tax bracket (income between $135,000 and $190,000). However, note that the 30% bracket applies up to $135,000, so only a portion is taxed at 37%. After the tax-free threshold, progressive rates, and the 2% Medicare levy, the estimated take-home pay is around $93,000, depending on deductions.