Pay by Role
Australia · Salary comparison

Backend Developer vs Network Engineer salary

In Australia, a network engineer earns about 15% more than a backend developer $162,389 vs $140,876 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Technology
Backend Developer
$140,876/yr
Monthly
$11,728
Hourly
$68
Range
$90,147$202,848
10-yr outlook
+16%
Pays more
Technology
Network Engineer
$162,389/yr
Monthly
$13,532
Hourly
$78
Range
$109,786$226,720
10-yr outlook
+5%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileBackend DeveloperNetwork Engineer
Entry (10th)$90,147$109,786
25th$115,546$136,088
Median$140,876$162,389
75th$171,897$194,520
Senior (90th)$202,848$226,720

National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a backend developer or network engineer earn more in Australia?
A network engineer earns more, at about $234,000 per year vs $203,000 for a backend developer — roughly 15% ($31,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
A backend developer typically earns $129,900–$292,300, while a network engineer earns $158,200–$326,700 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
On a monthly basis before tax, a backend developer averages about $16,900 and a network engineer about $19,500.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Australia, a backend developer earns about $129,900 while a network engineer earns about $158,200 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Australia, a backend developer earns about $292,300 while a network engineer earns about $326,700 per year.
Are backend developer and network engineer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.