Software engineer Software Engineer
Occupation code: 261312（ANZSCO） Skilled migration occupation Overall 6.9/10
Software engineers design, develop and maintain software systems across web, mobile, cloud-native, AI/ML and enterprise applications. Australia's IT industry is expanding steadily, with long-term demand driven by the federal government's digital transformation agenda and AUKUS defence technology investment, making it one of the most sought-after occupations for skilled migrants.
Ratings · Overall 6.9/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Software engineer
Software engineer positions overall will not be eliminated by AI, but entry-level coding and testing roles will be significantly reduced; developers proficient in AI tools will see greatly increased output and competitiveness, creating a two-tier divide.
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Replaces some coding tasks of software engineers, such as auto-generating repetitive code, function templates, and unit tests, but requires manual review and debugging.
↗ Data sources
- Writing boilerplate code and standard CRUD interfaces
- Writing basic unit tests and regression tests
- Simple bug identification and fixing (e.g., null pointers, type errors).
- Code formatting and documentation comment generation
- Generate simple function implementations from natural language descriptions
- Using AI assistants like Copilot to improve coding speed and quality
- Utilise AI for code review, security vulnerability scanning and suggestions.
- Rapid Prototyping and Architecture Generation with AI
- Automating test generation and coverage analysis with AI
- Quickly locate issues using AI-assisted debugging and log analysis
- Complex system architecture design and technology selection
- Cross-team communication, requirements analysis, and business understanding
- Innovative algorithm development and optimization
- Ability to handle ambiguous, unstructured problems
- Ethical decision-making, safety compliance responsibility
- AI/ML basics and model fine-tuning skills
- Prompt Engineering and AI tool integration
- Cloud-native architecture (Kubernetes, Serverless)
- System design and architectural patterns
- Data analysis and experimental design
- Cross-functional collaboration and product thinking
Entry-level roles such as basic coding, unit testing, and simple bug fixing are replaced by AI, reducing demand for junior engineers; but the entry threshold for understanding business, system design, and complex debugging has not lowered—instead, a stronger foundation is needed.
Transitioning from pure coder to 'AI + full-stack' engineer: Deeply mastering AI toolchains, integrating AI into development pipelines; while strengthening system design, domain knowledge, and soft skills to become an 'AI-enhanced architect' who can define problems and design solutions
Salary
| Experience | Annual (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate / junior engineer (0–2 years) | $72,000 ~ $88,000 | Graduate starting salary; typically higher than average in Sydney/Melbourne |
| Mid-level engineer (2–5 years) | $95,000 ~ $125,000 | SEEK range $105k–$125k; Indeed average $109,692 (2026) |
| Senior Engineer (5–10 years) | $130,000 ~ $170,000 | Indeed Senior average $152,409; Sydney/Melbourne top tier approximately $190k |
| Principal/Lead Engineer (10+ years) | $170,000 ~ $250,000 | Top-tier salaries at leading companies such as Atlassian, Canva, and WiseTech |
| Contract (Daily Rate) | $120,000 ~ $220,000 | Contract daily rate $600~$1,200 (annualised approx. $120k~$240k) |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science / Software Engineering (3–4 years) | 3–4 years (full-time) | $25,000~$160,000 |
| Coding bootcamp / self-taught pathway (optional alternative) | 3–12 months | $2,000~$20,000 |
| Skills assessment (ACS – Australian Computer Society) | 2–6 months | $500~$1,500 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science / Software Engineering | Recognised university | Optional |
| ACS (Australian Computer Society) skills assessment | Australian Computer Society | Optional |
| AWS/Azure/GCP Cloud Certification | Amazon/Microsoft/Google | Optional |
| TOGAF / Software Architecture Certifications | The Open Group | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 261312（ANZSCO）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | Employer-sponsored; IT is a core shortage category with fast processing times |
| 186 ENS | Employer-sponsored permanent residency |
| 189 SkillSelect Independent | No employer required — invitation-based, ACS assessment + EOI |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | State nomination; ACT/NSW/VIC technology migration pathway · ~95 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Remote area IT role, +15 points · ~90 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
Who it fits
- Existing software development experience (2+ years), seeking to migrate to Australia through a skilled visa
- English proficiency of IELTS 6.0+ / PTE 50+ (required for both ACS assessment and the working environment)
- Strong programming foundations in mainstream languages such as Python/Java/TypeScript/Go
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) or AI/ML development (significant salary premium)
- Targeting Sydney/Melbourne tech companies or remote work (high flexibility)
- Very limited English proficiency, unable to function in an English-speaking work environment
- Only entry-level coding experience (no real project experience)
- Inability to adapt to a culture of continuous learning and rapid technological iteration
Career outlook
AI-assisted coding (GitHub Copilot/Cursor) is reshaping entry-level development roles, but demand for system design, code review, and cross-functional collaboration continues to grow. The salary gap between major Australian tech companies (Atlassian, Canva, WiseTech) and Silicon Valley is narrowing.
JSA projects approximately 25% employment growth for software engineers by 2035. While AI-assisted development tools are boosting productivity, they are also increasing demand for senior engineers specialising in system architecture, AI integration and security.
Growth areas：
AI/ML Application DevelopmentCloud-Native & MicroservicesCybersecurity SoftwareFintech & Digital BankingDefence & Government Digital Transformation
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Seek, Indeed, Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert; employment and demand forecasts cite Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); visa and migration details follow the latest occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authorities. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.