TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$224,597/yr
Typical range: $190,838 – $234,662
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Data 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 | $103,193 | $8,599 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,474 | $10,623 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $143,661 | $11,972 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $166,323 | $13,860 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $224,597 | $18,716 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $281,657 | $23,471 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $295,922 | $24,660 | +187% |
Current Salary
$224,597
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $108/hr
Next Level Target
$281,657
Principal · 14
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $225K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $225K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $108/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $191K–$235K/yr.