Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In Australia, a software engineer earns about 3% more than a systems administrator — $140,876 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
Software Engineer$140,876/yr
- Monthly
- $11,728
- Hourly
- $68
- Range
- $90,147–$202,848
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
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 | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $90,147 | $94,866 |
| 25th | $115,546 | $115,824 |
| Median | $140,876 | $136,712 |
| 75th | $171,897 | $162,250 |
| Senior (90th) | $202,848 | $187,858 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a software engineer or systems administrator earn more in Australia?
- A software engineer earns more, at about $203,000 per year vs $197,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 3% ($6,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A software engineer typically earns $129,900–$292,300, 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 software engineer averages about $16,900 and a systems administrator about $16,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a software engineer earns about $129,900 while a systems administrator earns about $136,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a software engineer earns about $292,300 while a systems administrator earns about $270,700 per year.
- Are software 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.