Data Scientist vs Software Engineer salary
In Australia, a data scientist earns about 4% more than a software engineer — $146,428 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
Pays more
Technology
Data Scientist$146,428/yr
- Monthly
- $12,214
- Hourly
- $70
- Range
- $91,049–$214,090
- 10-yr outlook
- +35%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Scientist | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $91,049 | $90,147 |
| 25th | $118,738 | $115,546 |
| Median | $146,428 | $140,876 |
| 75th | $180,224 | $171,897 |
| Senior (90th) | $214,090 | $202,848 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data scientist or software engineer earn more in Australia?
- A data scientist earns more, at about $211,000 per year vs $203,000 for a software engineer — roughly 4% ($8,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A data scientist typically earns $131,200–$308,500, 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 scientist averages about $17,600 and a software engineer about $16,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a data scientist earns about $131,200 while a software engineer earns about $129,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a data scientist earns about $308,500 while a software engineer earns about $292,300 per year.
- Are data scientist 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.