Electrical Engineer Salary Australia
APS and federal agency pay, power and renewables labour-market context, experience bands, Defence and utilities interfaces, qualifications and career progression — with ANZSCO 233311 clearly separated from electronics and technician roles.
Last updated: 23 September 2026 · ANZSCO 233311
Typical APS professional band
$77,865 – $118,780
Senior APS / EL band
$120,750 – $143,200
APS employer super
15.4%
Employed nationally (JSA)
33,100
Figures are base salary bands unless labelled otherwise. See methodology.
Salary snapshot
| Measure | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Federal APS base (illustrative) | Many professional engineers sit APS 4–EL 2 ($77,865 – $182,500) before allowances. |
| Broader labour-market indicator | Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO unit group 2333 — labour-market profile; includes professional electrical engineers classified under 233311): $2,553/week full-time median (~$132,756/year) — not a Electrical Engineer–only median. |
| Private SG reference | 12% Super Guarantee on ordinary time earnings for most private employers (2025-26). |
Salary methodology
APS base salaries use APSC Remuneration Report 2025 in src/data/federal/aps-levels.ts with 15.4% employer super for APS employees.
Super Guarantee for most private employers is 12% in 2025–26 (src/data/rates/ato-super-guarantee.ts).
Employment and earnings reference Jobs and Skills Australia Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO 2333): 33,100 employed, $2,553 median weekly full-time earnings and $67 median hourly (ABS May 2025).
ANZSCO 233311 is the six-digit Electrical Engineer classification cited on this page; JSA’s published earnings profile is at the 2333 unit group level — we label that explicitly.
Australian labour-market context
Jobs and Skills Australia publishes a labour-market profile for Electrical Engineers at the ANZSCO unit group 2333 level, with about 33,100 people employed nationally (ABS Labour Force Survey trend, February 2026). Median full-time weekly earnings are $2,553 and median hourly earnings $67 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) for that unit group. Individual six-digit occupation pages may not carry separate earnings medians; treat the 2333 figures as the published labour-market benchmark while remembering they aggregate the professional electrical engineering workforce rather than a single employer type.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO 233311)
Electrical Engineer salary in the Australian Government
There is no single universal federal electrical engineer salary. Commonwealth employers pay by classification (APS or agency technical stream), enterprise agreement and role. Engineers appear across Defence, infrastructure and transport portfolios, research agencies and regulatory bodies — each with different allowance structures.
Base pay follows the advertised classification. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation. Locality, shift, field and clearance-related allowances can change total cash without changing the headline APS level.
Return to the Federal Engineering Hub for the full agency directory. If the vacancy is classified APS 6, read the APS 6 salary guide for pay points and take-home context.
APS classifications (government engineering context)
These are national APS base salary bands (2025–26). They do not automatically apply to every engineer — your offer states the classification. Cross-check APS 6 and EL 1 when those levels appear on the ad.
| Level | Base salary | Super (15.4%) | Base + super | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS 4 | $77,865 – $86,500 | $11,991+ (on min) | $89,856+ (on min base) | APSC 2025–26 |
| APS 5 | $88,085 – $97,400 | $13,565+ (on min) | $101,650+ (on min base) | APSC 2025–26 |
| APS 6 | $100,190 – $118,780 | $15,429+ (on min) | $115,619+ (on min base) | APSC 2025–26 |
| EL 1 | $120,750 – $143,200 | $18,596+ (on min) | $139,346+ (on min base) | APSC 2025–26 |
| EL 2 | $150,800 – $182,500 | $23,223+ (on min) | $174,023+ (on min base) | APSC 2025–26 |
Salary calculator (base + super + take-home)
Annual base (mid)
$109,485
Employer super (15.4%)
$16,861
Fortnightly take-home
$3,187
Salary by experience
| Stage | Experience | Federal context | Private market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate / entry | 0–2 years | APS graduates often enter APS 3–APS 5 (77,865–97,400 base for APS 4–5, 2025–26). | Graduates joining DNSPs, contractors or consultancies may see different starting cash; utilities often run structured graduate rotations. |
| Early career | 3–5 years | Professional electrical engineers commonly sit at APS 5–APS 6 (88,085–118,780). | — |
| Mid-career | 6–10 years | Specialists and project leads may align with APS 6 or EL 1 (100,190–143,200). | HV design sign-off and utility protection experience can command premiums in private markets — still employer-specific. |
| Senior / principal | 10+ years | Principal engineers and managers may map to EL 1–EL 2 (120,750–182,500). | — |
Graduate Electrical Engineer salary
Electrical engineering graduates complete a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) or equivalent accredited degree. Commonwealth graduate programs recruit through APS Jobs; utilities and consultancies run separate intakes with their own pay bands.
APS graduates typically land between APS 3 and APS 5. Rotations may cover building services, project management and compliance with AS/NZS wiring rules and agency-specific standards.
Graduate roles in renewable construction and mining electrification can pay higher starting salaries when projects are ramping, but site rostering and contract length differ from APS permanency.
Senior Electrical Engineer salary
Senior Electrical Engineer, Principal Engineer and Engineering Manager titles map differently across APS, utilities and consultancies. EL 1–EL 2 spans cover many APS team leads; utilities may use banded enterprise agreements with shift and on-call penalties.
Sign-off authority for HV design and utility protection settings is experience-driven — employers pay for demonstrated competency, not just years since graduation.
Compare APS 15.4% super with private offers at 12% Super Guarantee unless the contract explicitly pays above statutory minimum.
Employment by state and territory
Shares are from JSA employment distribution. They show where jobs are located — not salary levels in each state.
| State | Employment share | Major industries | Federal opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 26.6% | Consulting, utilities, manufacturing | Defence, Airservices, portfolio building services |
| VIC | 22.9% | Manufacturing, renewables, rail | DSTG, CSIRO, BOM observatories |
| QLD | 28.0% | Resources electrification, solar/wind construction | Defence bases, northern Australia energy programs |
| WA | 14.1% | Mining power, LNG, remote networks | Defence, Geoscience Australia, BOM radar |
| SA | 5.7% | Defence industry, grid upgrades | Defence capability, research precincts |
| TAS | 1.3% | Hydro, wind | Antarctic power systems, CSIRO |
| ACT | 0.8% | Public administration | Energy policy, APS technical offices, Defence headquarters interfaces |
| NT | 0.7% | Remote power | Defence, remote locality allowances |
Industries employing Electrical Engineers
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Electricity, gas, water and waste services
- Manufacturing
- Construction and building services
- Mining and resources
- Defence and aerospace
- Public administration
Power systems, renewables and the federal energy transition
Electrical engineers sit at the centre of Australia’s grid upgrades, renewable connection queues and industrial decarbonisation. Private-sector demand spans distribution network service providers, EPC contractors on wind and solar farms, and consultants preparing connection studies. None of that market activity creates a single “federal electrical engineer salary” — APS roles follow classifications while market roles follow enterprise agreements or individual contracts.
Commonwealth agencies still employ electrical engineers where power quality, safety and sovereign capability matter: defence platforms, air traffic systems, research campuses and regulated aviation infrastructure. Those engineers specify standards, review contractor designs and accept commissioning — owner’s engineer work paid through APS or GBE scales.
When reading salary surveys that blend utilities, mining and consulting, check whether overtime, on-call and field allowances are included. Utilities often pay structured penalties; APS roles may pay locality or shift allowances under enterprise agreements instead.
Electrical engineer vs electronics engineer — pay data is not interchangeable
ANZSCO separates Electrical Engineers (2333 / 233311) from Electronics Engineers (2334 / 233411). Electrical work emphasises power generation, distribution and large-scale utilisation; electronics emphasises circuits, communications hardware and embedded systems. Defence and space programs hire both, but vacancy classifications and market premiums differ.
Job ads that say “electrical/electronic engineer” may be recruiting for either skill set. Salary comparisons from online aggregators often mash occupations together — this page keeps JSA’s Electrical Engineers (2333) earnings profile labelled as that unit group.
If you are job hunting, match your degree and experience to the ANZSCO description on the ad. APS HR classifies accordingly; misalignment slows promotion and pay progression.
Building services and Commonwealth property
Large Commonwealth leases and owned facilities need electrical engineers for reticulation upgrades, emergency power, lighting compliance and integration with mechanical plant. Work is often delivered through managing contractors, with APS engineers administering contracts and reviewing shop drawings.
Building services electrical roles may sit at APS 5–EL 1 depending on whether the position is hands-on technical review or program leadership across a property portfolio.
Private building services consultancies compete for the same talent in CBD markets. Compare APS total reward including leave loading and super when evaluating a consulting offer with higher base but tighter billable hour targets.
Where Electrical Engineers work — pay mechanism by employer type
| Employer type | Pay set by | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| APS / portfolio agency | Classification + EA allowances | Locality and shift penalties on some ads |
| Government business enterprise (e.g. Airservices) | Enterprise agreement bands | Operational roster requirements |
| DNSP / utility | EA with penalties and on-call | Overtime included in “total package” quotes |
| Consulting engineer | Firm band + utilisation | Bonus tied to billable hours |
| EPC / renewable contractor | Project site allowances | Contract end dates after build phase |
JSA Electrical Engineers (2333) median vs APS illustrative mid-bands
| Measure | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly earnings (full-time) | $2,553/week (May 2025) | ANZSCO 2333 unit group per JSA |
| Annualised median (52 weeks) | ~$132,756 before tax | Guide only; excludes overtime |
| APS 6 mid-point base | ~$109,485 | Plus 15.4% employer super |
| EL 1 mid-point base | ~$131,975 | Common for team-leading specialists |
What does a Electrical Engineer do?
Electrical engineers design, develop and supervise equipment and systems for generation, distribution, utilisation and control of electric power. Work spans switchgear, transformers, protection systems, motors, building electrical services, grid connections and industrial plant electrification.
In the Australian Government, electrical engineers support defence platforms and estates, aviation and air traffic systems, research facilities, renewable energy programs, building services in Commonwealth property, and safety regulation where electrical compliance is critical.
Tasks align with ANZSCO 233311 / JSA’s Electrical Engineers summary: planning power systems, specifying cables and switchboards, supervising installation and maintenance, and integrating control systems with mechanical and civil interfaces.
Electrical Engineering specialisations
Power systems
Generation, transmission and distribution interfaces.
Building services
Electrical reticulation in large facilities.
Systems integration
Complex defence and transport systems.
Rail & signalling
Traction power and safety systems.
Industrial automation
Plant electrification and HV/LV design.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) or equivalent Washington Accord–recognised degree.
- Engineers Australia accreditation; CPEng and the National Engineering Register are optional professional credentials unless an employer mandates them.
- Licensed electrical work is performed by licensed electricians under state law — professional electrical engineers design and specify systems; execution is often trade-licensed.
- Postgraduate study in power systems or renewables supports grid and energy transition roles.
Skills
Technical
- Power system analysis and protection coordination
- HV and LV distribution design
- AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules and agency standards
- Motor control, VSDs and industrial automation
- Renewable grid connection studies
- Lighting, earthing and lightning protection
- SCADA and control system interfaces
Professional
- Safety in design and arc flash assessment
- Technical documentation and design review
- Contractor and vendor management
- Stakeholder communication for outages and commissioning
- Cross-disciplinary coordination with mechanical and civil teams
Career progression
Private sector (illustrative)
- Graduate Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Senior Electrical Engineer
- Principal / Lead Engineer
- Engineering Manager or Technical Director
Australian Government (illustrative)
- Graduate APS engineer
- APS 5–6 professional engineer
- EL 1 specialist or team lead
- EL 2 principal engineer or section manager
- SES for large energy or estate programs (optional pathway)
Defence engineering
Defence employs electrical engineers for platform power, shore facilities, test ranges and integration with combat systems. Civilian APS pay applies to civilian roles; uniformed electrical engineering officers use ADF pay scales.
DSTG roles may involve novel power architectures, energy storage and directed energy research — often EL-classified with science allowances.
Export control and security clearance gate access to some electrical design work; salaries on ads assume you can obtain and maintain clearance.
Engineer vs technician
Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO 233311) are degree-qualified professionals. Electricians (ANZSCO 3411), Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians (ANZSCO 3123), and Electronics Engineers (ANZSCO 233411) are separate occupations with different training and pay profiles. Never present electrician award rates or electronics engineer medians as Electrical Engineer salary without labelling the occupation.
Federal agency pay bands (illustrative)
Recheck current vacancies before applying — classifications change per ad.
| Agency | Indicative range | Roles | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence (civilian APS) | $88,085 – $182,500 | Electrical engineer, combat systems support, estate electrical | Clearance and platform knowledge often required; classification on vacancy. |
| Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) | $88,085 – $182,500 | Power systems research, test and evaluation | Technical science pay structures may apply. |
| Airservices Australia | $77,865 – $143,200 | Navigational aids power, site electrical maintenance | GBE enterprise agreement. |
| CSIRO | $77,865 – $143,200 | Research infrastructure electrical, lab systems | CSIRO EA classifications. |
| Bureau of Meteorology | $77,865 – $118,780 | Radar power, field electrical maintenance | Operational sites with shift work possible. |
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia — Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO 233311)
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (via JSA broader-group earnings)
- APSC Remuneration Report 2025 — APS classifications
- ATO Super Guarantee rates
- Agency careers pages linked in the agency table
Data checked: 23 September 2026
FAQs
How much does an Electrical Engineer earn in Australia?
Pay varies by employer. APS engineers are usually paid by classification — often APS 4–EL 2 base ($77,865–$182,500 in 2025–26) plus 15.4% employer super. JSA reports a $2,553 median weekly full-time earnings figure for the Electrical Engineers unit group (2333, ABS May 2025), which is not identical to any single APS level.
What is the average Electrical Engineer salary in Australia?
The published labour-market median for ANZSCO 2333 Electrical Engineers is $2,553 per week full-time (ABS May 2025). That is a unit-group median, not a rule for every electrical engineer. APS pay follows advertised classifications instead of market medians.
How much does a graduate Electrical Engineer earn?
APS graduates often start at APS 3–APS 5 ($67,875–$97,400 base in 2025–26). Utility and consulting graduates may receive different packages with roster or site components.
How much does a senior Electrical Engineer earn?
Senior roles may align with APS 6–EL 2 ($100,190–$182,500 base) or higher cash in utilities and consulting when penalties and bonuses apply.
How much do electrical engineers earn in the Australian Government?
There is no single rate. Pay follows the vacancy classification plus 15.4% super and any enterprise agreement allowances.
What APS level is an Electrical Engineer?
Graduates APS 3–5; experienced professionals often APS 6; leads and principals EL 1–EL 2. Defence science roles may use parallel technical bands.
Do electrical engineers earn more in utilities or the APS?
Utilities can pay strong penalties for on-call and field work during outages. APS roles offer 15.4% super and structured progression. Compare total reward for your lifestyle and location preferences.
How much does an Electrical Engineer earn in Queensland?
JSA shows 28.0% of Electrical Engineers (2333) employed in Queensland — a location share, not a salary figure. Renewable construction booms can lift private offers; APS ads state classification and allowances explicitly.
Is an Electrical Engineer the same as an electrician?
No. Electrical engineers (233311) are degree-qualified professionals who design and specify systems. Electricians (3411) install and maintain electrical equipment under trade licensing. Pay data is not interchangeable.
How does Electrical Engineer salary differ from Electronics Engineer?
They are separate ANZSCO occupations (2333 vs 2334). This page uses JSA’s Electrical Engineers (2333) earnings profile. Electronics engineers have their own labour-market page — do not merge medians without labelling.
Does an Electrical Engineer need to be registered?
A recognised engineering degree is standard. Professional registration rules vary by state for certain services. Licensed electrical work is performed by licensed electricians.
What degree do I need to become an Electrical Engineer?
A four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) or equivalent accredited degree.
Which industries employ Electrical Engineers?
JSA highlights professional services, electricity/gas/water/waste services and manufacturing.
Which states employ the most Electrical Engineers?
JSA LFS distribution includes Queensland (28.0%), NSW (26.6%), Victoria (22.9%) and WA (14.1%).
Do government Electrical Engineers receive superannuation?
Yes — 15.4% employer super for APS employees, higher than the 12% Super Guarantee for most private employers in 2025–26.
Is Electrical Engineering a good career in Australia?
Employment of about 33,100 Electrical Engineers (2333) and positive annual employment growth on JSA support ongoing demand in energy, manufacturing and professional services. Suitability depends on whether you prefer grid-scale power, building services, defence systems or policy-facing technical roles.