EngineeringGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Marine Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$161,314/yr
Typical range: $143,089 – $171,720
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Marine Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Marine 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 | $81,826 | $6,819 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,360 | $8,280 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,049 | $9,254 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,778 | $10,482 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $161,314 | $13,443 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $189,368 | $15,781 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $196,382 | $16,365 | +140% |
Current Salary
$161,314
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$189,368
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Marine Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Marine Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $161K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Marine Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Marine Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Marine Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $143K–$172K/yr.