EngineeringGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$180,797/yr
Typical range: $160,371 – $192,460
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in Sydney
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $91,708 | $7,642 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $111,360 | $9,280 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $124,461 | $10,372 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $140,969 | $11,747 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,797 | $15,066 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $212,239 | $17,687 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $220,100 | $18,342 | +140% |
Current Salary
$180,797
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$212,239
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemical Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $181K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chemical Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $181K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $160K–$192K/yr.