EngineeringGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$190,819/yr
Typical range: $169,261 – $203,130
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
Systems 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 | $96,793 | $8,066 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,534 | $9,795 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,361 | $10,947 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,784 | $12,399 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $190,819 | $15,902 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $224,005 | $18,667 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $232,302 | $19,359 | +140% |
Current Salary
$190,819
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$224,005
Principal · 14
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $191K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $191K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $169K–$203K/yr.