Startup Salaries Down Under: What to Expect in Different Roles and Locations
Aussie Intelligence
Team
Driven by a passion for expanding the tech sector in Australia and internationally, our blog offers a diverse range of content, including expert articles, insightful opinions, and community perspectives.
Include a personal profile or introduction statement at the top of your resume
Fermentum quis tincidunt nunc dui egestas. Vel fringilla odio amet sed dignissim purus id aliquam commodo egestas parturient viverra tincidunt viverra condimentum adipiscing consectetur placerat odio justo neque neque. Tristique adipiscing purus platea quis blandit sollicitudin tortor magna vulputate condimentum nullam lorem pharetra lorem et urna.
- Erat scelerisque eu dui diam varius in proin sit elementum amet vitae et.
- Enim elementum bibendum habitasse mauris at amet aliquet morbi risus.
- Ipsum ultrices sit massa amet nulla lobortis justo pharetra metus mattis felis.
- Tempor sollicitudin et maecenas aliquam turpis suspendisse non eget.
Add an infographic element that displays your best traits and accomplishments
Fermentum quis tincidunt nunc dui egestas. Vel fringilla odio amet sed dignissim purus id aliquam commodo egestas parturient viverra tincidunt viverra condimentum adipiscing consectetur placerat odio justo neque neque. Tristique adipiscing purus platea quis blandit sollicitudin tortor magna vulputate condimentum nullam lorem.
Use headings and subheadings throughout your resume to highlight key sections and make the information easier to read
At montes at ut arcu ut faucibus tempor pretium. In lobortis id nisi cursus massa vel volutpat mauris. Turpis vitae mi nibh gravida id adipiscing. Convallis turpis pellentesque bibendum velit facilisi. Quam vitae lacus nullam lorem adipiscing suspendisse quis tortor aenean. Massa ipsum accumsan arcu.
- Feugiat in feugiat egestas scelerisque eget phasellus ipsum imperdiet.
- Convallis nulla id quis suspendisse enim molestie sed feugiat neque egestas.
- Natoque in massa mi quis. Mi amet sed curabitur in urna venenatis sem.
- Id viverra sed pellentesque rhoncus eu gravida suscipit et vulputate.
Utilize space by using bullet points to outline skills and job qualifications
At montes at ut arcu ut faucibus tempor pretium. In lobortis id nisi cursus massa vel volutpat mauris. Turpis vitae mi nibh gravida id adipiscing. Convallis turpis pellentesque bibendum velit facilisi. Quam vitae lacus nullam lorem adipiscing suspendisse quis tortor aenean. Massa ipsum accumsan arcu.
“Nec nunc morbi dolor volutpat a ullamcorper fusce gravida condimentum sit turpis nunc est vitae ornare augue odio nec varius sed”
Incorporate visuals and images such as graphs and charts
At montes at ut arcu ut faucibus tempor pretium. In lobortis id nisi cursus massa vel volutpat mauris. Turpis vitae mi nibh gravida id adipiscing. Convallis turpis pellentesque bibendum velit facilisi. Quam vitae lacus nullam lorem adipiscing suspendisse quis tortor aenean. Massa ipsum accumsan arcu.
Australia's startup scene is buzzing with innovation and opportunity. If you're considering joining a fast-growing company, understanding the salary landscape is crucial. While the potential for growth and impact can be significant, remuneration can vary widely based on your role, experience level, and, importantly, location.
Let's dive into what you can realistically expect in terms of salary for some common tech and startup roles across Australia's major cities. Keep in mind that these are indicative ranges and can be influenced by the specific startup's funding, stage, and overall compensation philosophy (including equity).
Software Engineer Salaries. Software engineering is a core function for most startups, and salaries can vary quite a bit based on location and experience level:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): A$60,000 - A$90,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$50,000 - A$80,000 in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide
- Mid-level (3-5 years): A$90,000 - A$130,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$80,000 - A$120,000 in other major cities
- Senior (6+ years): A$120,000 - A$180,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$100,000 - A$160,000 elsewhere
The higher cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne is a key driver of the salary differences, with engineers in those cities typically earning 20-30% more than their counterparts in other major Australian cities.
Product Manager Salaries. As the bridge between engineering, design, and the business, product managers play a critical role in startups. Salaries for this function are as follows:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): A$70,000 - A$100,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$60,000 - A$90,000 in other major cities
- Mid-level (3-5 years): A$100,000 - A$150,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$90,000 - A$130,000 elsewhere
- Senior (6+ years): A$130,000 - A$200,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$110,000 - A$180,000 in other locations
Again, the higher salaries in Sydney and Melbourne reflect the increased cost of living and competition for top talent in those markets.
Marketing Specialist Salaries. Marketing is a critical function for startups, helping to drive growth and awareness. Salaries for marketing specialists tend to be:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): A$50,000 - A$80,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$45,000 - A$70,000 in other major cities
- Mid-level (3-5 years): A$70,000 - A$110,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$60,000 - A$100,000 elsewhere
- Senior (6+ years): A$100,000 - A$150,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, A$90,000 - A$130,000 in other locations
While marketing salaries are generally lower than engineering or product roles, there is still a noticeable gap between the major startup hubs and other Australian cities.
Other Considerations
Beyond base salary, remember that many startups offer other benefits, including:
- Equity/Stock Options: This can be a significant part of the overall compensation, especially in early-stage startups, offering potential for substantial financial gain if the company succeeds.
- Superannuation: Australia has a mandatory superannuation contribution (currently 11.5% as of May 2025) that employers must pay on top of your salary.
- Perks: These can range from flexible work arrangements and extra leave to team lunches and professional development budgets.
Final Thoughts
Navigating startup salaries in Australia requires understanding the interplay of role, experience, and location. While Sydney and Melbourne often offer the highest base salaries, the cost of living and the specific opportunity should also factor into your decision. Don't forget to consider the potential upside of equity and the overall culture and mission of the startup.
