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An outstanding growth phase is taking place in the technology sector, and software engineer jobs in Australia are at the forefront of this growth. If you are currently working in tech, a recent graduate, or an overseas professional looking to move to kangaroo land, there are unmatched opportunities from 2025 to 2026.
Software engineer jobs in Australia are now among the highest priority occupations right across the country; this is due to the investment of billions of dollars in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech, defense tech, and digital transformation. Australia is also facing a national talent shortage, so employers are trying to lure software engineers with higher salaries, faster hiring processes, and increased visa sponsorships.
This comprehensive blog outlines the current job market trends, salary expectations, guidance on migration, and city-specific information, plus the key skills most in demand to help you succeed in software engineer jobs in Australia.
Australia is facing a shortage of technology talent, with a forecasted shortage of over 300,000 IT specialists by 2030. Software engineer jobs in Australia are particularly in demand due to the following factors:
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Employers in Australia look for versatile engineers who can combine programming expertise with cloud, AI, and cybersecurity knowledge. Below is a summary of the most in-demand skills:
Skill Category | Key Skills/Tools | Why It Matters |
Programming | Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, C# | Backend, AI apps, enterprise software |
Full-Stack Development | React, Angular, Node.js, Spring Boot | Mid-level developer demand |
Cloud & DevOps | AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform | Rapid cloud migration & automation |
AI & Machine Learning | TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLP, ML Pipelines | AI-first development trend |
Cybersecurity | Secure coding, Zero-Trust, OWASP | Protect sensitive applications |
Data Engineering | SQL, NoSQL, ETL, BigQuery, Snowflake | Data-driven business decisions |
Software engineering jobs in Australia are evolving rapidly. Understanding the trends helps candidates position themselves for the highest-paying jobs:
Trend | Impact on Careers | Recommendation |
AI-First Development | Growing demand for ML and AI engineers | Upskill in AI/ML frameworks |
Cloud-Native Architecture | 80%+ companies moving to cloud | Get AWS/Azure certifications |
Cybersecurity Integration | Mandatory secure coding | Learn OWASP, penetration testing |
Low-Code Platforms | Faster prototyping | Familiarize with automation tools |
Remote & Hybrid Work | More flexible hiring | Maintain strong digital portfolios |
Cross-Functional Roles | Software + Data + Security roles | Develop T-shaped skill sets. |
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The software engineer jobs in Australia offer high salaries, which increase with experience and specialization:
Experience Level | Average Salary (AUD) | Common Roles |
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $75,000 – $95,000 | Junior Developer, Graduate Engineer |
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $100,000 – $135,000 | Software Engineer, Full-Stack Developer |
Senior-Level (5–8 yrs) | $135,000 – $165,000 | Senior Engineer, Tech Lead |
Principal / Architect (8+ yrs) | $165,000 – $200,000+ | Principal Engineer, Solutions Architect |
Niche / Specialised | $180,000 – $240,000+ | AI Engineer, DevOps Lead, Cybersecurity Specialist |
Employers now offer great pay, fast hiring, and sponsorships, so start your EA/ACS/VETASSESS skills assessment early and use CDRAustraliaEngineer to simplify the process.
City | Job Availability | Average Salary | Top Industries | Cost of Living |
Sydney | Very High | $120k–$165k | Fintech, AI, Cloud | High |
Melbourne | Very High | $115k–$160k | SaaS, HealthTech, Startups | Medium |
Brisbane | High | $105k–$145k | GovTech, MiningTech | Low |
Canberra | High | $110k–$150k | Defence, Cybersecurity | Medium |
Perth | Moderate | $100k–$140k | Energy, Mining Software | Medium |
Adelaide | Moderate | $95k–$135k | Aerospace, Defense, and R&D | Low |
Sydney and Melbourne typically offer the highest salaries, while cities like Adelaide and Perth provide lower cost of living advantages.
Software engineers generally fall under ANZSCO 261313, listed on the MLTSSL, allowing strong PR pathways. Here’s a breakdown:
Visa Type | Ideal Candidate | Requirements | PR Pathway |
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | High-scoring engineers | ACS/EA assessment + points | Direct PR |
Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | State-nominated engineers | State sponsorship | Direct PR |
Subclass 491 (Regional) | Regional applicants | Regional nomination | PR via 191 |
Subclass 482 (Employer Sponsor) | Job offer from Australian employer | Employer sponsorship | PR via 186 |
Global Talent Visa | Exceptional AI, ML, Cybersecurity engineers | High expertise & achievements | Fast-track PR |
Preparing career episodes, summary statements, or ACS RPL reports is key for migration approval. CDRAustraliaEngineer ensures your documents meet EA, ACS, and VETASSESS standards, reducing errors and speeding up your assessment.
Software engineer jobs in Australia are some of the most exciting and promising in the 2025-26 period, with attractive salaries, occurring worldwide opportunities, and accessible pathways to migration. With demand surging for skilled professionals in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, you are already in the right timeframe to make the leap.For future migrants and certainly for professionals seeking to upskill with qualifications in Australia, the benefits of the best advice and assistance are invaluable.
Are software engineers needed in Australia?
Yes, software engineers jobs in Australia are among the top 5 in-demand careers.
What is the average salary?
$100,000 – 165,000 depending on experience and location.
Is it possible to migrate without a degree?
Yes, through ACS RPL or CDR documentation if you have enough experience.
Which city has the most opportunity?
Sydney and Melbourne have the most numbers, Canberra is generally more stable in defence or government roles.
Do employers in Australia sponsor visas?
Yes, Employers will usually sponsor visas for cloud, AI and Cybersecurity, and DevOps roles.
Are remote work opportunities available?
Yes, it is 70/30 hybrid or full remote work opportunities in the software engineer sector in Australia.
What is the most valuable skill in 2025-26?
AI/ML, Cloud Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Full Stack Development.
