Solar Energy Systems Engineer Average Salary in Australia 2023
How much money does a person working as Solar Energy Systems Engineer make in Australia?
LOW
42,000
AUD AVERAGE
85,700
AUD HIGH
134,000
AUD
A person working as Solar Energy Systems Engineer in Australia typically earns around 85,700 AUD per year. Salaries range from 42,000 AUD (lowest) to 134,000 AUD (highest).
This is the average yearly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Pay Scale and Salaries in Australia
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
79,400 AUD or more
70,200 to 79,400 AUD
49,800 AUD or less
49,800 to 70,200 AUD
 42,000 AUD |
79,900 AUD |
134,000 AUD |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries in Australia range from 42,000 AUD per year (starting salary) to 134,000 AUD per year (maximum salary). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.
Median Salary
The median salary is 79,900 AUD per year, which means that half (50%) of people working as Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s) are earning less than 79,900 AUD while the other half are earning more than 79,900 AUD. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles and Salary Scale
Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s) are earning less than 65,300 AUD while 75% of them are earning more than 65,300 AUD. Also from the diagram, 75% of Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s) are earning less than 91,400 AUD while 25% are earning more than 91,400 AUD.
Pay Scale Structure
We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights on how salaries are actually distributed. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 49,800 AUD to 70,200 AUD. Approximatly 20% fall under the 49,800 AUD cap. Ten percent of wages are from 70,200 AUD to 79,400 AUD. Only 5% of people grossed 79,400 AUD or more.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does experience and age affect your pay?
Solar Energy Systems Engineer average salary change by experience in Australia
| 0 - 2 Years | 49,800 AUD | |
| 2 - 5 Years | +29% | 64,000 AUD |
| 5 - 10 Years | +38% | 88,300 AUD |
| 10 - 15 Years | +24% | 109,000 AUD |
| 15 - 20 Years | +7% | 117,000 AUD |
| 20+ Years | +7% | 125,000 AUD |
The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally the more years of experience the higher your wage. We broke down Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries by experience level and this is what we found.
Employees with less than two years of experience makes approximately 49,800 AUD per year.
While someone with an experience level between two and five years is expected to earn 64,000 AUD per year, 29% more than someone with less than two year's experience.
Moving forward, an experience level between five and ten years lands a salary of 88,300 AUD per year, 38% more than someone with two to five years of experience.
Additionally, Solar Energy Systems Engineer whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen years get a salary equivalent to 109,000 AUD per year, 24% more than someone with five to ten years of experience.
If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is 117,000 AUD per year, 7% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.
Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary of 125,000 AUD per year, 7% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of experience.
Typical Salary Progress for Most Careers
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Salary Comparison By Education
How do education levels affect salaries?
Displayed below is the average salary difference between different Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s) who have the same experience but different education levels.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer average salary difference by education level in Australia
| Bachelor's Degree | 62,100 AUD | |
| Master's Degree | +60% | 99,700 AUD |
We all know that higher education equals a bigger salary, but how much more money can a degree add to your income? We broke down Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries by education level in order to make a comparison.
When the education level is Bachelor's Degree, the average salary is 62,100 AUD per year.
While someone with a Master's Degree gets a salary of 99,700 AUD per year, 60% more than someone having a Bachelor's Degree degree.
Is a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Should you pursue higher education?
A Master's degree program or any post-graduate program in Australia costs anywhere from 37,800 Australian Dollar(s) to 114,000 Australian Dollar(s) and lasts approximately two years. That is quite an investment.
You can't really expect any salary increases during the study period, assuming you already have a job. In most cases, a salary review is conducted once education is completed and the degree has been attained.
Many people pursue higher education as a tactic to switch into a higher paying job. The numbers seem to support the thoery. The average increase in compensation while changing jobs is approximately 10% more than the customary salary increment.
If you can afford the costs of higher education, the return on investment is definitely worth it. You should be able to recover the costs in roughly a year or so.
Typical Salary Difference by Education for Most Careers
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender - Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? Male Solar Energy Systems Engineer employees in Australia earn 5% more than their female counterparts on average.
| Male | 87,700 AUD | |
| Female | -5% | 83,300 AUD |
Salary Comparison By Gender in Australia for all Careers
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Australia
How much are annual salary increments in Australia for Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s)? How often do employees get salary raises?
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Solar Energy Systems Engineer(s) in Australia are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 12% every 15 months. The national average annual increment for all professions combined is 8% granted to employees every 16 months.
Australia / All Professions
The term 'Annual Salary Increase' usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rarely that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.
How to calculate the salary increment percentage?
The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 ÷ Increase Frequency
Annual Increment Rate By Industry 2022
| Banking | 4% | |
| Energy | 8% | |
| Information Technology | 3% | |
| Healthcare | 7% | |
| Travel | 2% | |
| Construction | 6% | |
| Education | 1% |
Listed above are the average annual increase rates for each industry in Australia for the year 2022. Companies within thriving industries tend to provide higher and more frequent raises. Exceptions do exist, but generally speaking, the situation of any company is closely related to the economic situation in the country or region. These figures tend to change frequently.
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
Salary Packages and Schemes
Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Bonus and Incentive Rates in Australia
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
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"Solar Energy Systems Engineer" is considered to be a moderate bonus-based job. The people who get the highest bonuses are usually somehow involved in the revenue generation cycle.
43% of surveyed staff reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 57% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 6% of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | 57% | |
| No Bonus | 43% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based BonusesThe most standard form of bonus where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance BonusesOccasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.
Goal-Based BonusesGranted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year BonusesThese types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.
Bonuses Are Not Commissions!
People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.
What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?
The main two types of jobs | |
| Revenue Generators | Supporting Cast |
Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business. | Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations. |
Example: | Example: |
Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.
Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level
Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Salary Trend and Forecast in Australia
How are Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries changing over time? Listed below is a chart that shows the average salary in recent years.
| Average Salary 2019 | 76,100 AUD | |
| Average Salary 2020 | +4% | 78,900 AUD |
| Average Salary 2021 | +3% | 81,100 AUD |
| Average Salary 2022 | +2% | 82,600 AUD |
Solar Energy Systems Engineer salaries in Australia are on the rise in the year 2023 based on recent submitted salaries and reports. As displayed in the chart, salaries in 2022 are 2% higher than those of 2021. The trend suggests a slow yet continuous increase in pay in 2024 and future years. These numbers may vary from industry to another.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer Average Hourly Wage in Australia
41 AUD per hourThe average hourly wage (pay per hour) in Australia is 41 AUD. This means that the average Solar Energy Systems Engineer in Australia earns approximately 41 AUD for every worked hour.
About The Hourly Pay Rate
The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fix amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.
What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?
The minimum pay rate per hour for 'Solar Energy Systems Engineer' in Australia is 20 AUD. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.
Solar Energy Systems Engineer VS Other Jobs
The average salary for Solar Energy Systems Engineer is 5% more than that of Oil / Gas / Energy / Mining. Also, Oil / Gas / Energy / Mining salaries are 10% less than those of All Jobs.
Salary comparison with similar jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Assistant Yard Manager | 80,600 AUD |  -6% |
| Associate Analyst | 95,000 AUD |  +11% |
| Associate Landman | 39,900 AUD | -53% |
| Auxiliary Equipment Operator | 34,100 AUD | -60% |
| Biomass Plant Technician | 44,000 AUD | -49% |
| Biomass Power Plant Manager | 115,000 AUD | +34% |
| Chemical Plant Operator | 71,000 AUD | -17% |
| Chief Contract Compliance Engineer | 85,900 AUD | +0% |
| Completions Engineer | 78,100 AUD | -9% |
| Cost Controller | 62,700 AUD | -27% |
| Crude Oil Marketing Representative | 95,500 AUD | +11% |
| Dispatcher | 35,700 AUD | -58% |
| Distribution Manager | 118,000 AUD | +38% |
| Dragline Operator | 40,100 AUD | -53% |
| Driller Offsider | 30,700 AUD | -64% |
| Dump Truck Driver | 33,400 AUD | -61% |
| Electric and Gas Operations Manager | 195,000 AUD | +130% |
| Energy Advisor | 132,000 AUD | +54% |
| Energy Analyst | 126,000 AUD | +47% |
| Energy Auditor | 113,000 AUD | +32% |
| Energy Dispatch Director | 149,000 AUD | +74% |
| Energy Technical Assistant | 53,800 AUD | -37% |
| Energy Technical Manager | 103,000 AUD | +20% |
| Energy Technical Trainer | 72,700 AUD | -15% |
| Exploration Manager | 153,000 AUD | +79% |
| Field Safety Auditor | 98,300 AUD | +15% |
| Fluids Engineer | 82,000 AUD | -4% |
| Fuel Cell Engineer | 87,600 AUD | +2% |
| Fuel Cell Technician | 42,300 AUD | -51% |
| Fuels Handler | 41,400 AUD | -52% |
| Gas Compressor Operator | 36,000 AUD | -58% |
| Gas Distribution Plant Operator | 67,600 AUD | -21% |
| Gas Supply Manager | 137,000 AUD | +60% |
| Geologist | 148,000 AUD | +73% |
| Geophysicist | 162,000 AUD | +89% |
| Geothermal Production Manager | 150,000 AUD | +75% |
| Geothermal Technician | 62,300 AUD | -27% |
| HSE Engineer | 89,400 AUD | +4% |
| HSE Officer | 55,000 AUD | -36% |
| HSEQ Administrator | 58,700 AUD | -31% |
| Inspector | 80,800 AUD | -6% |
| Instructor | 72,100 AUD | -16% |
| Instrument Designer | 70,700 AUD | -17% |
| Lead Technical Field Advisor | 113,000 AUD | +32% |
| Logistics and Tool Coordinator | 73,800 AUD | -14% |
| Maintenance Engineer | 86,200 AUD | +1% |
| Maintenance Superintendent | 80,900 AUD | -6% |
| Material Controller | 60,000 AUD | -30% |
| Mine Engineer | 80,800 AUD | -6% |
| Mine Surveyor | 98,100 AUD | +15% |
| Mining Project Administrator | 74,900 AUD | -13% |
| Mining Project Assistant | 62,000 AUD | -28% |
| Mining Project Controls Consultant | 99,300 AUD | +16% |
| Mining Project Coordinator | 77,200 AUD | -10% |
| Mining Project Engineer | 80,600 AUD | -6% |
| Mining Project Manager | 111,000 AUD | +30% |
| Mining Site Manager | 109,000 AUD | +27% |
| Mining Team Leader | 95,200 AUD | +11% |
| NDT Technician | 50,200 AUD | -41% |
| Oil Service Unit Operator | 45,700 AUD | -47% |
| Oil Trader | 113,000 AUD | +32% |
| Oilwell Pumper | 31,800 AUD | -63% |
| Petroleum Engineer | 93,800 AUD | +9% |
| Petroleum Geologist | 154,000 AUD | +80% |
| Petroleum Pump System Operator | 49,700 AUD | -42% |
| Pipeline Technician | 33,400 AUD | -61% |
| Power Coordinator | 51,700 AUD | -40% |
| Power Plant Operations Manager | 173,000 AUD | +100% |
| Power Plant Operator | 72,800 AUD | -15% |
| Radio Operator | 38,500 AUD | -55% |
| Reliability Engineer | 83,900 AUD | -2% |
| Reservoir Engineer | 82,200 AUD | -4% |
| Risk Analyst | 103,000 AUD | +20% |
| Roughneck | 90,800 AUD | +6% |
| Scaffolder | 54,600 AUD | -36% |
| Shutdown Engineer | 71,000 AUD | -17% |
| Solar Energy Installation Manager | 120,000 AUD | +40% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineer | 85,700 AUD | +0% |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installer | 54,800 AUD | -36% |
| Solar Thermal Technician | 52,800 AUD | -38% |
| Supply Operations Manager | 146,000 AUD | +70% |
| Sustainability Specialist | 134,000 AUD | +56% |
| System Development Advisor | 95,400 AUD | +11% |
| Tanker Truck Driver | 33,900 AUD | -60% |
| Utility Operator | 44,200 AUD | -48% |
| Wind Energy Project Manager | 115,000 AUD | +34% |
Salary Comparison By City
| City | Average Salary |
| Adelaide | 95,000 AUD |
| Brisbane | 93,400 AUD |
| Canberra-Queanbeyan | 85,500 AUD |
| Gold Coast-Tweed | 91,200 AUD |
| Gosford | 81,300 AUD |
| Melbourne | 97,300 AUD |
| Newcastle | 85,700 AUD |
| Perth | 89,700 AUD |
| Sunshine Coast | 86,700 AUD |
| Sydney | 101,000 AUD |
| Wollongong | 78,500 AUD |
Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison
Where can you get paid more, working for a private company or for the government? Public sector employees in Australia earn 5% more than their private sector counterparts on average across all sectors.
| Private Sector | 88,600 AUD | |
| Public Sector | +5% | 93,000 AUD |
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary for Solar Energy Systems Engineer in Australia?
A good and competitive compensation would range anywhere between 79,900 AUD and 91,400 AUD. This is a very rough estimate and your experience and education will play a very huge part into your final earnings.
Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salart after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary for Solar Energy Systems Engineer in Australia is ranges from 65,300 AUD to 91,400 AUD. The base salary depends on many factors including experience and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range in a grain of salt.
What is the difference between the median and the average salary?
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both of the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people are earning more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary
