EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 97/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$112,867/yr
Typical range: $106,697 – $123,269
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Civil 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 | $57,252 | $4,771 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,520 | $5,793 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $77,699 | $6,475 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $88,004 | $7,334 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $112,867 | $9,406 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $132,497 | $11,041 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $137,404 | $11,450 | +140% |
Current Salary
$112,867
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$132,497
Principal · 14
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $113K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Civil Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Civil Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $107K–$123K/yr.