Network Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In Australia, a network engineer earns about 15% more than a software engineer — $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
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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
| Percentile | Network Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $109,786 | $90,147 |
| 25th | $136,088 | $115,546 |
| Median | $162,389 | $140,876 |
| 75th | $194,520 | $171,897 |
| Senior (90th) | $226,720 | $202,848 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a network engineer or software engineer earn more in Australia?
- A network engineer earns more, at about $234,000 per year vs $203,000 for a software engineer — roughly 15% ($31,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A network engineer typically earns $158,200–$326,700, 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 network engineer averages about $19,500 and a software engineer about $16,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a network engineer earns about $158,200 while a software engineer earns about $129,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a network engineer earns about $326,700 while a software engineer earns about $292,300 per year.
- Are network 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.