Thinking about a career in IT? You’re not alone. The tech industry in Australia is booming — from cyber security to cloud, data, and software development. With businesses relying more on digital systems than ever, the demand for skilled IT professionals has skyrocketed. But one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How much can I actually earn if I start a career in IT?”
In this blog, we’ll walk through average salary ranges, what influences your earning potential, and how IT compares to the Australian job market overall. We’ll also share links to reliable guides so you can check live benchmarks yourself. Whether you’re a career changer, a student, or already in IT and looking to specialise, this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect in 2025 and beyond.
The quick answer
Most early-career IT roles land around $75k–$110k, with mid-career commonly in the $110k–$150k range and senior/lead roles stretching well beyond $160k+, depending on specialisation and location. Tech consistently ranks above Australia’s overall median earnings (see the ABS and major salary guides below).
Reliable sources to benchmark your pay
- Hays Salary Guide FY25/26 — Australia-specific bands across 1,000+ roles.
- Robert Half 2025 IT Salary Guide — tech market trends & ranges.
- SEEK Career Advice (role pages) — live market snapshots by role.
- Glassdoor AU (Software Engineer) — crowd-sourced salaries (use with context).
- ABS Employee Earnings, Aug 2024 — national medians to compare against.
Typical salary ranges by popular IT roles (2025)
Ranges below combine insights from Hays/Robert Half, SEEK and Glassdoor. Your individual offer will vary by city, company size, and skills.
| Role | Early Career | Mid Career | Senior+ | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer / Engineer | $80k–$100k | $110k–$140k | $150k–$190k+ | SEEK, Glassdoor, Hays |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $85k–$110k | $120k–$150k | $160k–$200k+ | Hays, SEEK |
| Cloud / DevOps Engineer | $90k–$115k | $125k–$160k | $170k–$210k+ | Hays, Robert Half |
| Data Analyst | $75k–$100k | $105k–$135k | $140k–$180k+ | Hays, Robert Half |
| IT Support / Systems | $60k–$80k | $85k–$110k | $115k–$140k+ | Hays, Robert Half |
Reality check: IT pay varies by city (Sydney/Melbourne tend to pay more). For example, recent Glassdoor data shows Sydney software engineers around the A$137k average mark.
How IT compares to Australia’s overall earnings
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported median weekly employee earnings of $1,396 as at August 2024 — roughly $72.6k annually — across all occupations (ABS). IT roles typically sit well above this baseline, reflecting specialised skills and demand.
What drives a higher offer?
- Location & sector: major cities and industries like finance/defence usually pay more.
- Certifications: e.g., AWS/Azure, Security+ / CISSP, or Kubernetes can lift your band.
- Hands-on experience: projects, internships, and contributions (GitHub/portfolio) matter.
- Negotiation timing: use current guides (Hays/Robert Half/SEEK) to anchor discussions.
Starting out? Here’s a sensible plan
- Choose a pathway with strong demand (Cyber, Cloud, Data, Software).
- Build fundamentals fast via structured learning and labs.
- Add a respected certification (e.g., Security+, AWS Solutions Architect Associate).
- Get real experience — internships or project work.
- Benchmark your ask with Hays and Robert Half.
Want structured support into your first role?
IT Courses Australia offers flexible, accredited training with mentor support — and an optional Job Placement Program (one-time fee $2,300) that provides a 12-week internship once you’ve completed ~85% of your course. It’s a practical way to add “real experience” to your CV. No employment guarantee; outcomes depend on employer selection and market conditions.
