Data Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In Australia, a data engineer earns about 53% more than a software engineer — $215,825 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
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Technology
Data Engineer$215,825/yr
- Monthly
- $17,974
- Hourly
- $104
- Range
- $138,100–$310,760
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $138,100 | $90,147 |
| 25th | $176,963 | $115,546 |
| Median | $215,825 | $140,876 |
| 75th | $263,293 | $171,897 |
| Senior (90th) | $310,760 | $202,848 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or software engineer earn more in Australia?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $311,000 per year vs $203,000 for a software engineer — roughly 53% ($108,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A data engineer typically earns $199,000–$447,800, while a software engineer earns $129,900–$292,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $25,900 and a software engineer about $16,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a data engineer earns about $199,000 while a software engineer earns about $129,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a data engineer earns about $447,800 while a software engineer earns about $292,300 per year.
- Are data engineer and software 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.