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Systems Engineer Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the National Index
Find out how the systems engineer salary compares to the national average. We analyse available data, awards, and industry benchmarks to place it on the Australian salary index.
The systems engineer salary is not reported directly by the ABS, but industry and occupation data suggest it sits above the national average, likely around the professional services index of 114.7.
What is a systems engineer salary in Australia?
When you search for a systems engineer salary in Australia, you are likely looking for a reliable benchmark to compare your pay or to negotiate a new role. The answer is not as straightforward as a single number because the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for the specific occupation "Computer Network and Systems Engineers" (ANZSCO 263111). However, we can piece together clues from industry data, award rates, and the national salary index to give you a meaningful picture.
Where the data comes from
The most authoritative public source is Jobs and Skills Australia, which reports that 14,500 people work in this occupation. Nearly all (93%) work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week. The median age is 40, and only 8% are women. The main industries are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Financial and Insurance Services; and Information Media and Telecommunications.
Crucially, the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) does not provide median weekly earnings for this six-digit ANZSCO code. That means we cannot quote a government-backed figure for a systems engineer salary. Instead, we rely on industry and state benchmarks from the Salary Index.
Placing systems engineer pay on the index
The Salary Index uses a simple concept: index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from May 2026 is $108,352 per year (or $2,083.70 per week). Your yearly gross salary divided by that number, times 100, gives your personal index.
For a systems engineer, the most relevant industry benchmark is Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, which sits at index 114.7. That translates to an average annual salary of about $124,300. If you work in Financial and Insurance Services, the index is not separately listed but is likely higher. The national average for all occupations is 100, so a systems engineer in professional services is comfortably above that line.
Award rates and minimums
Some systems engineers are covered by modern awards, especially those in telecommunications or electrical contracting. The Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides list minimum rates for classifications under awards like the Telecommunications Services Award or the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. These minimums are much lower than market rates — for example, a Level 4 IT professional under the Telecommunications Award might earn around $1,200 per week, or about $62,400 annually. That is index 57.6, well below the national average. However, most experienced systems engineers are paid above award rates, often under enterprise agreements or individual contracts.
State and location differences
Where you work affects your systems engineer salary too. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index at 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), while Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). If you are a systems engineer in Sydney (NSW index 101.2) or Perth (WA index 106.9), you can expect a premium over the national line. In Melbourne (VIC index 98) or Brisbane (QLD index 97.9), the average is slightly below the national line, but professional services roles still tend to pay above those state averages.
Industry context matters
Systems engineers are not all paid the same. Those working in mining (index 154.7) or professional services (114.7) earn more than those in retail (75.9) or accommodation (72.5). The industries page helps you compare. If your employer is a large bank or a tech consultancy, your salary is likely to be above the professional services average. If you work for a small IT support firm, it may be closer to the award minimum.
How the index works for you
To find your own index, take your annual gross salary (before tax and super) and divide by $108,352, then multiply by 100. For example, a systems engineer earning $130,000 would have an index of 120. That is 20% above the national average. How the index works explains the calculation in more detail.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if your systems engineer salary is $130,000, your employer must contribute $15,600 to your super fund on top. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus the 2% Medicare levy. A $130,000 salary would have a tax bill of about $30,867 (including Medicare), leaving around $99,133 take-home. That is index 91.5 after tax — still above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.
The bottom line
While the ABS does not publish a precise systems engineer salary, the available data points to a role that typically pays above the national average, especially in professional services and finance. Use the industry and state indices as a guide, and remember that your actual pay depends on experience, location, and whether you are covered by an award or an enterprise agreement. For the most current award rates, check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Questions people ask
What is the typical salary range for a systems engineer in Australia?
There is no official median salary published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the occupation 'Computer Network and Systems Engineers'. However, based on industry benchmarks, a systems engineer working in professional services (index 114.7) might earn around $124,000 annually, while those in financial services or telecommunications could earn more. Entry-level roles under awards may start lower, around $65,000–$75,000.
Which modern award covers systems engineers in Australia?
Systems engineers may be covered by several awards depending on their employer and industry. Common awards include the Telecommunications Services Award [MA000041] for telecoms roles, the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award [MA000025] for contracting work, and the Professional Employees Award 2020 for some IT professionals. Always check the classification definitions in the relevant award.
How does the systems engineer salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 per year (index 100). While no direct figure exists for systems engineers, the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry index of 114.7 suggests an average of about $124,300. Given the occupation's skill level and demand, a systems engineer's salary likely sits above the national average, but exact comparisons depend on experience and location.