Electrical engineer salary: How to compare job offers using your take-home pay
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for full-time electrical engineers are $2,553, but your take-home pay depends on tax and Medicare.
Understanding the electrical engineer salary landscape
When evaluating an electrical engineer salary, it's essential to look beyond the headline figure. The amount that reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy is what you actually live on. This guide uses official Australian data to help you compare job offers based on take-home pay.
Median earnings from official data
Jobs and Skills Australia provides the most reliable benchmark for electrical engineers. Their latest survey shows that full-time electrical engineers earn a median weekly earnings of $2,553 before tax. This equates to an annual salary of approximately $132,756. This figure is for full-time non-managerial employees and is a solid reference point when negotiating your electrical engineer salary.
For comparison, the national minimum wage under the Fair Work Ombudsman is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Electrical engineers typically earn well above this, reflecting the specialised skills required.
How to calculate your take-home pay
Your take-home pay is your salary minus income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the rates are:
- Tax-free threshold: $18,200
- 15c per $1 from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30c per $1 from $45,001 to $135,000
- Plus the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) if applicable
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, with a shading threshold for low incomes. For a single person, the full 2% applies once your income exceeds $35,013. The thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013.
Using the median electrical engineer salary of $132,756, your tax would be approximately $30,700, and Medicare $2,655, leaving a take-home of about $99,400 per year. That's roughly $1,912 per week or $3,823 per fortnight.
Remember, this is an estimate. Your actual take-home may vary due to HELP/HECS repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use our Take-home pay tool for a personalised calculation.
Comparing job offers: salary vs total package
When comparing job offers, consider the total remuneration package. An electrical engineer salary is often quoted as "plus super". Super is paid on top at 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a $132,756 salary would also attract $15,931 in super, making the total package $148,687.
But super is not available until retirement, so focus on the cash take-home. Also check if the role includes allowances, overtime, or bonuses. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 sets minimum rates for electrical workers, but engineers are usually covered by professional awards or enterprise agreements.
Key considerations for electrical engineers
- Industry matters: Electrical engineers work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; and Manufacturing. Salaries can differ by sector.
- Experience and location: Median age is 35, suggesting many engineers are mid-career. Senior roles in mining or resources pay higher.
- Tax deductions: The Australian Taxation Office provides occupation-specific guides for engineers. You may claim expenses like tools, travel, and professional memberships.
- Medicare levy: Full-time salaries pay the full 2%. If you have a spouse or dependents, the thresholds differ.
For more details on tax and Medicare, see our Tax and Medicare guide.
Using take-home pay to evaluate offers
Instead of comparing gross salaries, convert each offer to weekly or fortnightly take-home. This reveals the true value. For example, a $140,000 salary with a $10,000 car allowance may have different tax treatment than a $150,000 salary with no extras.
Always ask for a breakdown: base salary, super, allowances, and any salary packaging options. Then use our Clearance tool to see what lands in your account.
Final thoughts
The electrical engineer salary in Australia is strong, with median earnings well above the national average. But your take-home pay is what matters. By understanding tax, Medicare, and super, you can make informed decisions about job offers and negotiate effectively.
Resident estimate only. Excludes HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Not an assessment.
Questions
What is the typical electrical engineer salary in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia reports median weekly earnings of $2,553 for full-time electrical engineers. This is before tax and super. Actual salaries vary by experience, location, and industry.
How much tax will I pay on an electrical engineer salary?
Using the 2026–27 tax rates, a salary of $132,756 (based on $2,553 per week) would incur about $30,700 in income tax plus the 2% Medicare levy, resulting in take-home pay around $99,000 annually. Your exact amount depends on your specific circumstances and deductions.
Does super is super included in the electrical engineer salary figure?
No, the median earnings figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is before tax and does not include employer super contributions. Super is paid on top of your salary at 12% from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base.