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Environmental Engineering Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Find out where the environmental engineering salary sits on the Australian salary index. We analyse available data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the broader engineering group.
The median weekly earnings for the broader 'Other Engineering Professionals' group is $2,649, giving an index of about 127, but a precise figure for environmental engineers is not available from the ABS.
Environmental Engineering Salary and the Australian Salary Index
When you search for an environmental engineering salary in Australia, you are likely looking for a figure that tells you how much these professionals earn compared to the average worker. The Salary Index is a useful tool for this: it compares your gross annual earnings to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, which is set at 100. That line is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings data. As of May 2026, the national line is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year. Anything above 100 means you earn more than the typical full-time worker; below 100 means less.
What the Data Shows
The most authoritative source for occupation-specific pay is Jobs and Skills Australia, which draws on ABS surveys. For Environmental Engineers (ANZSCO 233915), the median weekly earnings are listed as N/A. This is because the sample size is too small or the standard error too high to publish a reliable figure. However, the broader category Other Engineering Professionals (2339), which includes environmental engineers along with aeronautical, agricultural, biomedical engineers and naval architects, does have a published median: $2,649 per week for full-time non-managerial employees. That annualises to roughly $137,748, giving a Salary Index of 127.
This is a strong indicator that environmental engineers are paid well above the national line. For context, the all-occupations median is $1,852 per week (index 100), and the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). The broader engineering group’s index of 127 is also above the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index of 114.7, which is where many environmental engineers work.
Industries and Where the Pay Sits
According to the ABS Census, environmental engineers are most commonly employed in:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
- Public Administration and Safety
Each of these industries has its own average pay level. For example, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services index is 114.7, meaning the typical worker in that industry earns about 15% above the national line. An environmental engineer in that industry would likely earn more than the industry average, given the specialised nature of the work. In contrast, the Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services industry index is not separately listed, but it is generally above average due to the technical skills required.
State and Location Effects
Where you work also matters. The Salary Index varies by state, reflecting differences in cost of living and local labour markets. For instance:
- Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825)
- Australian Capital Territory has 109.9 ($119,090)
- New South Wales has 101.2 ($109,658)
- Victoria has 98.0 ($106,137)
- Tasmania has 88.6 ($96,008)
If you are an environmental engineer in WA or the ACT, you might expect a premium over the national median. Conversely, in Tasmania or South Australia, pay may be lower. However, these are state-wide averages; professional salaries often compress less across states than lower-paid roles.
Awards, Super and Tax
Environmental engineers are likely covered by the Professional Employees Award or a similar modern award, though the search results did not specify. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that set minimum rates for classifications under each award. These minima are much lower than typical market rates for engineers. For example, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but a graduate engineer would expect significantly more.
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per quarter. So total compensation for an environmental engineer earning $137,748 would include an additional $16,530 in super. Income tax for 2026–27 is progressive: 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000, and 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000. After tax and the 2% Medicare levy, a $137,748 salary would leave roughly $98,000 take-home, depending on deductions and the tax-free threshold.
How the Index Works
The Salary Index is simply your gross annual earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) multiplied by 100. For example, if you earn $130,000, your index is 130,000 / 108,352 × 100 = 120. This lets you compare your pay across industries and states. You can learn more about how the index works and explore industries or states to see benchmarks.
The Bottom Line
While a precise environmental engineering salary figure is not publicly available from the ABS, the data for the broader engineering group strongly suggests that environmental engineers earn well above the national average. A reasonable estimate based on the broader group is an index around 127, or about $137,700 per year before tax. Actual pay will depend on your specific role, experience, industry, and location. For the most current award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides. And if you want to see how your own salary compares, use the Salary Index calculator.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for an environmental engineer in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure specifically for Environmental Engineers (ANZSCO 233915) because the data has a high relative standard error. However, the broader group 'Other Engineering Professionals' (which includes environmental engineers) has a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,649 before tax, which annualises to about $137,748. This suggests environmental engineers are likely well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100).
How does the environmental engineering salary compare to the national average?
If we use the broader engineering group as a proxy, the annualised salary of $137,748 gives a salary index of about 127, meaning it is 27% above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line. This places environmental engineering pay significantly above the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 100). However, actual pay for individual environmental engineers will vary by experience, industry, and location.
What factors affect environmental engineering pay in Australia?
Key factors include the industry of employment (e.g., professional services tend to pay higher than public administration), location (states like Western Australia and the ACT have higher overall wage indices), years of experience, and whether the role is covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but environmental engineers typically earn much more due to their professional qualifications and demand.