Environmental Engineer Salary: State and Industry Differences in Australia

Environmental Engineer Salary: A State and Industry Differences

When you search for "environmental engineer salary" you are looking for a figure that sits against the national line where 100 is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the national line is $108,352 per year (index 100). For environmental engineers, the picture is less precise because the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for six-digit ANZSCO occupations like 233915. Instead, we rely on industry sources and indicative ranges.

What the Web Search Results Show

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that environmental engineers work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7), Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services, and Public Administration and Safety. The indicative salary range from.au suggests a range of $85,000 to $155,000 per year (2025 indicative). That range corresponds to a salary index of roughly 78 to 143. The wide band reflects variation by employer, experience, and location.

State Differences

State salary indices provide a useful lens. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9 ($115,825 annualised), while New South Wales is 101.2 ($109,658), Victoria 98 ($106,137), and Queensland 97.9 ($106,064). Environmental engineers are concentrated in NSW (33.8%), VIC (29.3%), and QLD (20.5%), but WA employs 9.8% of them. Given WA's higher overall pay and the presence of mining, environmental engineers there may earn above the national line. Conversely, Tasmania's index of 88.6 suggests lower average pay.

Industry Differences

Environmental engineers work across several industries. The industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 114.7, and Public Administration and Safety likely around the national average. An environmental engineer in mining could earn significantly more than one in government. The indicative range supports this: senior roles in mining rehabilitation or contamination remediation can reach $155,000, while entry-level positions in consulting may start at $85,000.

How the Salary Index Works

To understand where a pay figure sits, you divide the yearly gross by the national line ($108,352) and multiply by 100. For example, an environmental engineer earning $120,000 has an index of 111, which is above the national average. The how the index works page explains this in more detail.

Awards and Minimum Pay

Environmental engineers may be covered by the Professional Employees Award or the Mining Industry Award, depending on their employer. From 1 July 2026, award rates rose by 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 annualised, index 48.2). Most environmental engineers earn well above this. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman provide minimum rates for each award. However, many environmental engineers are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above award.

Superannuation and Tax

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. For an environmental engineer earning $120,000, that adds $14,400 to their super each year. Tax rates for 2026-27 are: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay for a $120,000 salary is roughly $89,000 after tax and Medicare, excluding HELP or other deductions.

Summary

While no official median exists for environmental engineers, the indicative range of $85,000 to $155,000 places most roles above the national minimum but below the top end of professional services. State and industry differences are significant: a WA mining environmental engineer could be at index 140, while a Victorian government engineer might be at index 95. Always check specific job offers and use the topics page for more on related roles.

Key Takeaways

• The environmental engineer salary range is $85k-$155k, but no official median is published.
• State indices show WA and NSW above the national line, while VIC and QLD are near it.
• Industry matters: mining pays well above the national average.
• Awards and enterprise agreements set minimums, but most engineers earn above award.
• Use the salary index to compare any offer to the national line.