The Engineering Profession in Australia

On the 24th February 2007, The Age reported that Australia's spectacular resources boom has run into serious shortages of skilled labour, with the lack of engineers, in particular, plaguing industry employers and causing them to delay projects.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia, has estimated 5000 engineers are needed to fill vacancies in resources, infrastructure and defense.  To view the article click here

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) state that they are the largest national non-profit organisation representing professional employees. APESMA represents: engineers, scientists, managers and many other professionals, architects, IT professionals, pharmacists, veterinarians, surveyors and collieries staff.

APESMA’s 25,000+ members are found in all areas of public and private employment across Australia. Members range from senior managers, and employees of the largest enterprises, to the self employed and recent graduates. They also promote your professions to the next generation of professionals, with over 15,000 student members.

APESMA is a non-profit organisation which operates for the benefit of its members. They have a staff of over 110 experienced professionals, including over 70 experts in workplace, legal, and professional remuneration matters, as well as an extensive network of active members, they can be contacted at www.apesma.asn.au

Their role includes activities that:

  • Advance the science and practice of engineering
  • Cultivate lifelong learning by our members
  • Promote the contribution of the profession as widely as possible.
  • Champion professional and ethical conduct
  • Welcome all those who wish to practice engineering
  • Allow members' aspirations to flourish; and stimulate and learn from their creativity and innovation
  • Celebrate excellence in engineering outcomes
  • Draw inspiration from our engineering heritage
  • Sustain the integrity of the profession
  • Take the lead in advocacy of the profession

Engineers Australia is the designated authority to assess professional and para-professional qualifications in engineering for the purposes of skilled migration to Australia.

The following table indicates the wage rates that Engineers in Australia are currently being paid in $AUD.

Average Australian Engineering Salary Minimum SalaryMaximum SalaryAverage Salary
Automotive Engineering $46,634$120,000$76,193
Building Services $50,000$180,000$103,999
CAD / Drafting $40,000$158,080$81,031
Chemical Engineering $60,000$230,000$136,716
Civil Engineering $50,000$200,000$100,377
Electrical Engineering $50,000$180,000$105,721
Electronics Engineering $45,000$170,000$98,439
Environmental Engineering $50,000$185,000$100,008
Field Engineering $45,000$150,000$93,640
Industrial Engineering $50,000$170,000$95,593
Management & Supervisory $55,000$225,000$116,316
Mechanical Engineering $50,000$200,000$112,478
Other Engineering $50,000$195,000$103,756
Piping Engineering $40,000$200,000$112,450
Plant/Facil/Maintenance $50,000$200,000$101,075
Process Engineering $55,000$230,000$131,448
Product Dev. / Design $45,000$160,000$83,773
Production / Manufacturing $37,840$130,000$80,949
Project Engineering $55,000$180,000$106,103
Project Management $60,000$250,000$119,661
Safety & Risk $50,000$200,000$105,251
Sales $40,000$160,000$81,796
Specialist $50,000$182,000$102,194
Structural Engineering $50,000$180,000$99,645
Systems Engineering $49,771$188,000$98,688
Water & Waste $49,400$180,000$102,211
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