Network Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In Australia, a network engineer earns about 19% more than a systems administrator — $162,389 vs $136,712 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%
Technology
Systems Administrator$136,712/yr
- Monthly
- $11,381
- Hourly
- $66
- Range
- $94,866–$187,858
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Network Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $109,786 | $94,866 |
| 25th | $136,088 | $115,824 |
| Median | $162,389 | $136,712 |
| 75th | $194,520 | $162,250 |
| Senior (90th) | $226,720 | $187,858 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a network engineer or systems administrator earn more in Australia?
- A network engineer earns more, at about $234,000 per year vs $197,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 19% ($37,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A network engineer typically earns $158,200–$326,700, while a systems administrator earns $136,700–$270,700 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 systems administrator about $16,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a network engineer earns about $158,200 while a systems administrator earns about $136,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a network engineer earns about $326,700 while a systems administrator earns about $270,700 per year.
- Are network engineer and systems administrator 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.