Australia’s tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with the industry valued at approximately $146.85 billion and expanding at an impressive 8.7% year-over-year rate. For skilled technology professionals, this boom translates into exceptional career opportunities with competitive salaries in the $120,000 to $180,000 AUD range. Whether you’re a local professional looking to advance your career or an international talent considering relocation, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about high-paying tech jobs in Australia, including salary benchmarks, visa pathways, and the companies actively hiring.
Understanding the $120K–$180K Salary Range
The $120,000 to $180,000 AUD salary bracket represents a sweet spot in Australia’s tech industry, typically encompassing mid-level to senior professionals with specialized skills. This range has become increasingly common as companies compete for talent in a market where demand significantly outpaces supply.
What This Salary Range Means
In 2025, software engineers in Australia earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 180,000 per year, with the $120K-$180K range covering experienced mid-level and senior professionals. This compensation typically includes:
Base Salary Components:
- Annual base pay ranging from $120,000 to $180,000
- Performance bonuses averaging 10-15% of base salary
- Superannuation contributions (11.5% in 2025)
- Additional benefits like stock options at major companies
Geographic Variations:
A Cloud Engineer in Adelaide and Brisbane earns between $120K and $160K per year, compared to $140K to $180K in Sydney, reflecting cost of living differences and market demand across cities.
High-Demand Tech Roles in the $120K–$180K Range
Multiple technology positions command salaries within this bracket, with particular demand for specialized skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering.
Cloud Engineers
Cloud engineering is among the hottest fields in Australian tech, with the cloud services market set to hit AUD 10 billion by 2025, with an impressive 13% growth rate. Cloud Engineers typically earn:
Salary by City:
- Sydney: $140,000 – $180,000
- Melbourne: $135,000 – $170,000
- Brisbane/Adelaide: $120,000 – $160,000
- Canberra: $130,000 – $175,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing and maintaining scalable cloud infrastructure
- Managing AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform environments
- Implementing Infrastructure as Code practices
- Optimizing cloud costs and performance
- Ensuring security and compliance in cloud environments
Software Engineers (Mid to Senior Level)
Mid-level engineers earn between AUD 95,000 and AUD 125,000, averaging AUD 110,000, while senior engineers earn between AUD 130,000 and AUD 170,000, with some making up to AUD 190,000 at major firms like Canva and WiseTech Global.
Specialization Premium:
Engineers with specialized skills command higher salaries. Developers working in AI, cybersecurity, or cloud computing earn approximately 20-30% more than general software engineers, frequently pushing them into or above the $120K-$180K range.
Common Tech Stacks:
- Frontend: React, TypeScript, JavaScript, Angular
- Backend: Java, Python, Node.js, .NET, Ruby on Rails
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
- Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP
- DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines
Cybersecurity Professionals
With an 80% increase in AI-related security threats driving demand, cybersecurity roles have become exceptionally lucrative. Cyber Security Architect salaries reach up to AUD 275,000 in Canberra, while related positions fall within our target range:
Cybersecurity Roles ($120K-$180K):
- Security Engineers: $125,000 – $165,000
- Security Analysts (Senior): $120,000 – $160,000
- Penetration Testers: $130,000 – $175,000
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts: $115,000 – $155,000
DevOps Engineers
DevOps professionals who bridge development and operations are highly sought after, typically earning $130,000 to $175,000 depending on experience and location.
Key Skills:
- CI/CD pipeline management
- Container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)
- Infrastructure automation (Terraform, Ansible)
- Monitoring and logging (Prometheus, ELK Stack)
- Cloud platform expertise
Data Engineers and Data Scientists
Data professionals with expertise in big data processing, machine learning, and analytics command strong salaries in the $125,000 to $180,000 range.
Required Expertise:
- Python, R, SQL
- Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop)
- Machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Data warehousing and ETL processes
- Statistical analysis and modeling
Project Managers (Tech)
A Project Manager in Canberra can expect to earn between $140K and $180K per year, reflecting strong demand for professionals who can lead technical teams and deliver complex projects.
AI and Machine Learning Engineers
With AI driving transformation across industries, specialists in this field are commanding premium salaries. AI Product Managers and AI engineers are in high demand, with the AI ethicist role averaging AUD 150,000.
Top Companies Hiring in the $120K–$180K Range
Australia boasts a thriving tech ecosystem with both homegrown unicorns and international tech giants actively recruiting talent.
Australian Tech Unicorns
Atlassian – Australia’s largest tech company with a $44 billion market capitalization, Atlassian is consistently one of the best employers in the tech sector. Canva offers engineers salaries between AUD 120,000 and AUD 210,000, while Atlassian offers similar competitive packages.
What They Offer:
- Highly competitive salaries starting at $85,000 for entry-level, $130,000+ for mid-level
- Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, learning allowances
- Flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, onsite)
- Stock options and performance bonuses
- Strong engineering culture focused on innovation
Key Technologies: Java, Node.js, JavaScript, React, Python
Canva – With a $37 billion valuation, Canva has grown from a Sydney startup to a global design platform with over 175 million users. The company is known for exceptional workplace culture and compensation.
Salary Ranges:
- Mid-level Engineers: $120,000 – $145,000
- Senior Engineers: $160,000 – $210,000
- Lead/Principal Engineers: $230,000 – $260,000 (including equity)
Unique Benefits:
- Daily meals and gym memberships
- 18 weeks parental leave (gender-neutral)
- 5 extra days of flex leave
- 3 days for volunteering
- Benefits package valued at ~$7,914 per employee
WiseTech Global – A $30 billion logistics software powerhouse, WiseTech offers strong compensation and career growth opportunities.
Compensation:
- Software Engineers: $110,000 – $175,000
- Senior Developers (Sydney): ~$160,000
- Lead Engineers: up to $200,000
- Profit-sharing and stock incentive programs
Technologies: C#, .NET, JavaScript, Big Data, AI, Cloud Computing
Fast-Growing Tech Companies
SafetyCulture – Based in Townsville with operations nationwide, this workplace safety platform company offers competitive packages and rapid growth opportunities.
Airwallex – A fintech unicorn specializing in cross-border payments, offering:
- Competitive salaries in the $120K-$180K range for mid to senior roles
- International collaboration opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Cutting-edge fintech projects
REA Group – Australia’s leading property technology company:
- Software Engineers: $100,000 – $165,000
- Senior roles: up to $185,000
- Cloud, API, and DevOps specialists earn at higher end
SEEK – One of Australia’s largest job platforms:
- Engineers: $105,000 – $180,000
- Focus on product development and platform scalability
Established Tech Employers
Telstra – Australia’s largest telecommunications company offers stable employment with competitive tech salaries and strong benefits.
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) – Major banks have significant tech operations with:
- Mid-level Engineers: $120,000 – $150,000
- Focus on fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
Data61 (CSIRO) – Australia’s data innovation network offers:
- Research and development opportunities
- Competitive government sector salaries
- Locations across Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Focus on AI, machine learning, IoT, big data
International Tech Companies
Adobe – Named among the top 10 best workplaces for career growth in Australia, offering competitive packages and learning opportunities.
Other Major Players:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Australia
- Microsoft Australia
- Zendesk
- GitHub
Salary Trends and Market Insights
Understanding current market dynamics helps professionals negotiate better packages and make informed career decisions.
2025 Salary Growth Trends
Salaries for software engineers in Australia rose by 3.8% in 2025, which is faster than inflation. The biggest growth has been among mid-level professionals in fintech and product development.
Geographic Salary Differentials
Taking Software Engineering as a specific example, the median salary for a P3 (mid-level individual contributor) Software Engineer in Australia is currently AU$138,000, placing Australia competitively with other tech hubs globally.
City-by-City Comparison:
- Sydney: Highest salaries, typically 10-15% above national average
- Melbourne: Close second, competitive with Sydney for most roles
- Canberra: Strong government sector demand, particularly for cybersecurity
- Brisbane: Growing market, 10-15% lower than Sydney but with lower cost of living
- Perth: Mining tech driving demand, competitive packages
- Adelaide: Lower cost of living, emerging tech scene
Skills That Command Premium Pay
Certain technical skills significantly boost earning potential within the $120K-$180K bracket:
High-Demand Skills:
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP certifications)
- Kubernetes and container orchestration
- AI/ML frameworks and implementation
- Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CEH)
- DevOps and infrastructure automation
- React, TypeScript, Python
- Microservices architecture
Remote Work Impact
The shift to flexible work has influenced salary negotiations. Remote-friendly companies are offering higher salaries to attract engineers in regional areas, helping close the gap between metropolitan and regional compensation.
Visa Pathways for International Tech Professionals
Australia offers several visa options for skilled technology workers, with recent reforms making pathways clearer and more accessible in 2025.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024, introducing a new three-tiered system designed to attract skilled workers.
Three Pathways:
1. Specialist Skills Pathway:
- For highly skilled workers earning over $135,000 per year
- Streamlined processing time of just 7 days
- Ideal for senior engineers and specialists in the $120K-$180K range
2. Core Skills Pathway:
- Workers in high-demand occupations
- Must meet Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $70,000
- Most tech roles fall under this category
- Standard processing times
3. Essential Skills Pathway:
- For lower-paid workers in critical sectors
- Less relevant for tech professionals in our salary range
Key Requirements:
- Sponsorship from an approved Australian employer
- Meet salary threshold for your pathway
- At least one year of work experience in relevant occupation (reduced from two years)
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Valid skills assessment for your occupation
Visa Duration: Up to 4 years
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After holding the SID visa for two years and working for the same employer, eligible visa holders can apply for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
The 186 visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for experienced professionals.
Two Main Streams:
Direct Entry Stream:
- Grants permanent residency from day one
- Best for experienced professionals who meet all criteria immediately
- Requirements:
- Must be under 45 years of age
- Positive skills assessment
- 3+ years of relevant work experience
- Employer nomination
- English language proficiency (typically IELTS 6 in each band)
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
- For current 482/SID visa holders transitioning to permanent residency
- Requirements:
- Held eligible temporary skilled visa for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
- Worked for nominating employer in nominated occupation
- Must be under 45 years of age
- Meet English language requirements
Important 2025 Update:
For ENS Subclass 186 TRT, only experience gained in Australia while employed by an approved work sponsor in the nominated occupation will count toward the two year work requirement for applications lodged from 29 November 2025.
This means employers must maintain valid sponsorship throughout the employment period for that experience to count toward permanent residency.
Application Process
For 482 SID Visa:
- Secure Job Offer: Find an approved employer willing to sponsor you
- Employer Nominates: Employer submits nomination application
- Apply for Visa: Submit visa application with required documents
- Processing:
- Specialist Skills: 7 days
- Core Skills: Standard processing times (typically several weeks)
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Skills assessment
- Employment contract
- Qualification certificates
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
- Health examination
- Police clearances
Visa Costs:
- Application fees vary by stream (typically several thousand AUD)
- Skills assessment fees
- Health examination costs
Which Visa Should You Choose?
If you are under 45, have a positive skills assessment, and 3+ years of experience, the 186 Visa (Direct Entry) is your best choice. If you’re not there yet, the 482 SID visa provides flexibility to start working in Australia and transition to permanent residency later.
Companies Providing Visa Sponsorship
Many Australian tech companies actively sponsor international talent. Here’s a list of companies known to provide work visa sponsorship:
Major Tech Companies:
- Atlassian (Sydney) – Java, Node.js, JavaScript, React
- Canva (Sydney) – Java, JavaScript, Node.js, React, TypeScript
- WiseTech Global (Sydney) – C#, .NET, JavaScript, Android
- BigCommerce (Sydney) – Ruby, PHP, JavaScript
- Domain Group (Sydney) – PHP, JavaScript, Node.js, React, Python
- SEEK (Melbourne) – Various technologies
- REA Group (Melbourne) – Multiple tech stacks
- Zendesk (Melbourne) – Ruby, Scala, Python, Go, AWS
Growing Companies:
- Airwallex – Fintech, multiple locations
- SafetyCulture – Workplace safety platform
- Deputy (Sydney) – PHP, JavaScript, Android, SQL
- Brighte (Sydney) – PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, AWS
Research and Government:
- CSIRO’s Data61 – Big data, C++, IoT, Machine Learning, Python, R
A comprehensive list of over 3,000 companies that have sponsored work visas is available through the Department of Home Affairs disclosure logs, providing extensive options for job seekers.
How to Land a $120K–$180K Tech Job in Australia
For International Candidates
1. Research Target Companies:
- Identify companies in your specialization that sponsor visas
- Review their tech stacks and match your skills
- Check company culture and values alignment
2. Build Your Profile:
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive and Australia-focused
- Highlight relevant certifications (AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, etc.)
- Showcase projects that demonstrate your expertise
- Include any contributions to open-source projects
3. Tailor Your Application:
- Customize resume to Australian standards (typically 2-3 pages)
- Emphasize achievements with quantifiable results
- Include relevant keywords from job descriptions
- Prepare a compelling cover letter explaining your interest in Australia
4. Network Actively:
- Join Australian tech communities on LinkedIn, Slack, Discord
- Attend virtual meetups and conferences
- Connect with recruiters specializing in tech visa sponsorships
- Engage with Australian tech professionals in your field
5. Prepare for Interviews:
- Research Australian workplace culture and expectations
- Prepare to discuss visa requirements confidently
- Be ready for technical assessments and coding challenges
- Demonstrate long-term commitment to working in Australia
6. Consider Recruitment Agencies:
- Work with agencies specializing in tech visa sponsorships
- Robert Walters, Hays, Michael Page handle tech placements
- Specialist tech recruiters often have direct relationships with hiring companies
For Local Candidates
1. Upskill Strategically:
- AI adoption is boosting demand for specialists in data science, automation and AI tool management, impacting salary levels and hiring strategies
- Focus on high-demand skills: cloud platforms, AI/ML, cybersecurity
- Obtain relevant certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, etc.)
- Build portfolio projects demonstrating advanced capabilities
2. Leverage the Growing Market:
- Tech & transformation hiring is set to remain strong, with 74% of Australian businesses planning to recruit in 2025
- Consider opportunities in emerging tech hubs (Brisbane, Adelaide)
- Explore roles in traditional industries undergoing digital transformation
3. Be Open to Relocation:
- In AU, 52% of employees are open to a move, with the majority citing higher salaries as the main driver
- Consider interstate opportunities for significant salary increases
- Factor in cost of living differences when evaluating offers
4. Negotiate Effectively:
- Research salary benchmarks for your role and experience level
- Consider total compensation package, not just base salary
- Discuss equity/stock options at startups and established companies
- Don’t overlook benefits like learning allowances and flexible work
Benefits Beyond Salary
Companies in the $120K-$180K salary range typically offer comprehensive benefits packages:
Standard Benefits:
- Superannuation (retirement) contributions (minimum 11.5%)
- Private health insurance subsidies
- Professional development allowances ($2,000-$10,000 annually)
- Flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid)
- Paid parental leave (often 12-18 weeks)
Premium Benefits (Top Companies):
- Stock options/equity grants
- Annual bonuses (10-20% of base salary)
- Relocation assistance for interstate/international moves
- Home office setup allowances
- Mental health and wellness programs
- Gym memberships
- Free meals (at companies like Canva)
- Generous leave policies (flex days, volunteer days)
Work-Life Balance and Quality of Life
Australia offers exceptional quality of life alongside competitive tech salaries:
Work Culture:
- Typical work week: 38-40 hours
- Minimum 4 weeks annual leave (plus public holidays)
- Strong emphasis on work-life balance
- Flexible working arrangements increasingly standard
- Less intense than Silicon Valley work culture
Living Standards:
- High-quality healthcare system
- Excellent education system
- World-class cities (Sydney, Melbourne ranked highly for livability)
- Beautiful natural environment (beaches, national parks)
- Multicultural, welcoming society
- Safe and politically stable
Cost of Living Considerations:
- Sydney and Melbourne have higher living costs but also higher salaries
- Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth offer better value with growing tech scenes
- A $120K-$180K salary provides comfortable lifestyle in all major cities
- Housing costs vary significantly by city and location
Future Outlook
The Australian tech sector’s growth trajectory suggests continued strong demand and competitive compensation through 2025 and beyond.
Emerging Opportunities
AI and Machine Learning: With Australia’s AI market projected to grow at 51% annually through 2035, professionals with AI expertise will command premium salaries.
Cybersecurity: Ongoing threats and regulatory requirements will maintain high demand for security professionals.
Cloud and DevOps: As more businesses migrate to cloud-native architectures, cloud engineers and DevOps specialists will remain highly sought after.
Green Tech: Sustainability-focused technology roles are emerging as Australia pursues carbon neutrality goals.
Salary Growth Projections
With tech salaries growing faster than inflation and demand continuing to exceed supply, professionals can expect:
- Continued year-over-year salary increases of 3-5%
- Particularly strong growth in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud specializations
- Increasing equity/stock option components, especially at high-growth companies
- More flexible work arrangements as standard
Conclusion
Australia’s tech sector in 2025 presents exceptional opportunities for professionals seeking positions in the $120,000 to $180,000 AUD salary range. With a thriving ecosystem of both homegrown unicorns like Atlassian, Canva, and WiseTech Global, alongside established enterprises and international tech giants, there’s unprecedented demand for skilled technology talent.
For international candidates, recent visa reforms have made pathways clearer, with the Skills in Demand visa offering routes to both temporary work and permanent residency. Local professionals benefit from a competitive market where salaries are rising faster than inflation and employers are offering increasingly attractive packages to attract and retain talent.
Whether you’re a cloud engineer, software developer, cybersecurity specialist, or data scientist, the combination of competitive compensation, excellent quality of life, and diverse career opportunities makes Australia an attractive destination for tech professionals in 2025. With strategic skill development, targeted job searching, and understanding of the visa landscape, landing a rewarding $120K-$180K tech position in Australia is well within reach.
The Australian tech industry’s continued growth, coupled with the government’s commitment to attracting global talent, ensures that opportunities in this salary range will remain strong for years to come. For those ready to make the move—whether from another Australian city or from overseas—the time has never been better to explore what Australia’s booming tech sector has to offer.