TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 97/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$147,158/yr
Typical range: $127,853 – $149,860
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Software 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 | $67,613 | $5,634 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,522 | $6,960 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $94,128 | $7,844 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $108,976 | $9,081 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $147,158 | $12,263 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $184,544 | $15,379 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $193,890 | $16,158 | +187% |
Current Salary
$147,158
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $71/hr
Next Level Target
$184,544
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $147K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $147K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $71/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $128K–$150K/yr.