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Electrical Engineers Jobs

Design, commissioning, project and reliability engineering roles across Australia's power, infrastructure and renewables sectors.

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Key Electrical Engineers Capabilities

The skills and strengths employers look for in this field.

Electrical Design & Drafting

Producing schematics, SLDs, layouts and specifications, and working with tools such as AutoCAD, Revit and ETAP to deliver compliant electrical designs.

Standards & Compliance

Applying AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 3008, AS/NZS 61439 and related codes, plus WHS and environmental requirements across design and installation.

Power Systems & Load Analysis

Performing load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination and arc-flash studies for LV, HV and distribution networks.

Project & Site Engineering

Managing scope, programme, budget, contractors and technical queries from concept through construction, installation and handover.

Commissioning & Testing

Planning and executing inspection, testing and commissioning of electrical systems, switchboards, protection schemes and controls.

Instrumentation & Controls

Integrating PLC, SCADA, instrumentation and control systems within electrical designs for industrial and infrastructure projects.

Renewables & Grid Connection

Designing solar, battery storage and HV connection works, and navigating network and AEMO connection requirements.

Stakeholder & Documentation

Preparing reports, calculations and technical documentation, and liaising with clients, utilities, certifiers and multidisciplinary teams.

Electrical Engineers Market Overview

Electrical engineers are in strong demand across Australia, driven by the energy transition, grid upgrades, large-scale renewables, data centre construction and sustained activity in building services, resources and infrastructure. Employers span consultancies, EPC contractors, utilities, government agencies, mining and manufacturing.

Typical earnings sit around the low-to-mid six figures. Market data places the average electrical engineer salary near A$105,000 per year, with experienced professionals commonly ranging from roughly A$74,000 to A$148,000 depending on discipline, sector and location. Senior electrical engineers average around A$145,000–A$150,000, while graduates typically start in the A$70,000–A$82,000 range.

Pay varies by region and sector. Resources-heavy markets such as Western Australia and Queensland, and specialised fields like high-voltage, power systems, protection and controls, generally command premiums. Contract and day-rate work is common on major projects, particularly for commissioning, design and project engineers.

Professional recognition through Engineers Australia (Chartered status / CPEng and the National Engineering Register) is increasingly expected for senior and sign-off roles. Statutory registration applies in Queensland (RPEQ) and Victoria, and is being progressively adopted in other states.

Electrical Engineers Salary Guide

Indicative ranges — actual pay varies by location, experience and employer.

RoleTypical Salary (AUD/yr)ExperienceContract Day Rate (AUD)
Graduate Electrical Engineer$70,000 - $82,0000-2 years-
Electrical Engineer$95,000 - $120,0002-5 years$600 - $800
Electrical Design Engineer$100,000 - $130,0003-7 years$650 - $850
Electrical Project Engineer$110,000 - $140,0004-8 years$700 - $950
Electrical Commissioning Engineer$120,000 - $160,0005-10 years$800 - $1,200
Senior Electrical Engineer$140,000 - $170,0008+ years$900 - $1,200
Lead Electrical Engineer$150,000 - $185,00010+ years$1,000 - $1,400
Principal Electrical Engineer$170,000 - $220,000+12+ years$1,100 - $1,600

Indicative ranges for 2025 based on advertised salaries and market data (Indeed, Glassdoor and industry sources). Actual pay varies by state, sector (resources, utilities, consulting, building services), specialisation and chartered status. Resources and remote/FIFO roles often pay above these ranges.

See the full Electrical Engineers salary breakdown by level and location →

Professional Bodies & Qualifications

BE / BEng (Hons)

Engineering Degree (Washington Accord accredited)

A four-year accredited bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is the standard entry qualification, recognised by Engineers Australia.

CPEng

Chartered Status / Chartered Professional Engineer

Engineers Australia credential demonstrating competency and professional standing; widely expected for senior and design sign-off roles.

NER

National Engineering Register

National register of qualified engineers administered by Engineers Australia, often required for public-facing and regulated work.

RPEQ

Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland

Statutory registration required to carry out or supervise professional engineering services in Queensland.

PE (VIC)

Victorian Professional Engineer Registration

Mandatory registration scheme for professional engineers practising in Victoria across prescribed areas including electrical.

White Card

White Card (Construction Induction)

General construction induction card required for engineers attending or working on Australian construction sites.

Career Path & Progression

1

Graduate / Entry-Level Engineer

Work under supervision on calculations, drafting and site support while building core design and standards knowledge, often within a structured graduate programme.

2

Electrical Engineer

Take ownership of design packages, project deliverables and site tasks with growing autonomy; begin working toward Chartered status and the NER.

3

Senior Electrical Engineer

Lead designs, mentor juniors, manage technical risk and client relationships, and typically hold CPEng/Chartered and relevant state registration.

4

Lead / Principal Engineer

Provide technical authority across multiple projects, set standards, approve designs and guide strategy, specialisation and discipline leadership.

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications do I need to become an electrical engineer in Australia?
An accredited four-year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (BE/BEng Hons) is the standard requirement. For senior, design sign-off and regulated roles, employers increasingly expect Chartered status (CPEng) and listing on the National Engineering Register, plus state registration such as RPEQ in Queensland or PE registration in Victoria.
How much do electrical engineers earn in Australia?
The average electrical engineer salary is around A$105,000 per year, with most roles falling between roughly A$74,000 and A$148,000 depending on experience and sector. Graduates typically earn A$70,000–A$82,000, while senior engineers average about A$145,000–A$150,000 and principal engineers can exceed A$200,000.
Is there strong demand for electrical engineers in Australia?
Yes. Demand is high and sustained, driven by renewable energy and grid upgrades, data centre and infrastructure construction, resources projects and building services work. Power systems, protection and controls, HV and commissioning specialists are particularly sought after.
Do I need to be Chartered (CPEng) to work as an electrical engineer?
Not for every role, but it is highly valued and often essential for senior positions, design approvals and work requiring professional sign-off. Statutory registration (RPEQ in Queensland, PE registration in Victoria) is legally required to practise in those states.
Which states and sectors pay the most for electrical engineers?
Resources-driven markets such as Western Australia and Queensland typically pay premiums, especially for mining, oil and gas and FIFO roles. Specialisations like high-voltage, power systems and commissioning also command higher rates across all states.
What is the difference between a design engineer, project engineer and commissioning engineer?
Design engineers develop drawings, calculations and specifications; project engineers manage delivery, programme and contractors through construction; and commissioning engineers plan and execute testing, energisation and handover of completed electrical systems. Many engineers move between these roles as they progress.
Can overseas-qualified electrical engineers work in Australia?
Yes, provided their qualifications are recognised. Engineers Australia assesses overseas degrees (including via the Washington Accord) and migration skills assessments, after which engineers can pursue Chartered status and any required state registration.
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