I just got a graduate software developer job with a starting salary of 60K in TAS, plus super.
I know TAS is small and not everyone has experience here, but if you’re from other states, please share your thoughts too. It’ll help me get an idea because TAS has a lower cost of living compared to other states.
60K plus super is on the lower-middle side, especially in a smaller state like TAS. If you got the job through a graduate program, it’s pretty normal. Once your probation ends, you might get a small bump.
When I started, my adjusted salary today would’ve been 65K. I think I was probably one of the lowest-paid devs in Melbourne at the time, though.
Shiloh said:
When I started, my adjusted salary today would’ve been 65K. I think I was probably one of the lowest-paid devs in Melbourne at the time, though.
Are you saying 65K was for Melbourne? If so, 60K for TAS doesn’t sound too bad. Or did you mean you factored in living costs and salary differences?
60K sounds pretty normal to me.
Our startup offers 70-75K for grad or intern roles.
Zeph said:
Our startup offers 70-75K for grad or intern roles.
Where’s your startup located?
Zeph said:
Our startup offers 70-75K for grad or intern roles.
Where’s your startup located?
Fully remote. We’re spread across Australia. We even have one person in Hobart.
Zeph said:
Our startup offers 70-75K for grad or intern roles.
Are you hiring right now?
Not at the moment. We just finished hiring last month.
60K is a bit low for a grad position. Big 4 banks usually pay 75-80K, not including super. Their interviews are also mostly behavioral, with minimal technical testing.
Dez said:
60K is a bit low for a grad position. Big 4 banks usually pay 75-80K, not including super. Their interviews are also mostly behavioral, with minimal technical testing.
Big 4 banks do pay on the higher side for entry-level roles, so it’s not really comparable to other jobs.
Dez said:
60K is a bit low for a grad position. Big 4 banks usually pay 75-80K, not including super. Their interviews are also mostly behavioral, with minimal technical testing.
I’m not at a big bank or FAANG company. Plus, being in TAS means salaries are usually lower compared to larger mainland cities. Does anyone have insights into average graduate salaries for smaller IT companies offering customization or managed services?
@West
FAANG and big banks are entirely different salary brackets. Even so, most mainland CS/IT companies would pay more than 60K for grads.
If you can, try working on the mainland for a few years, get the higher pay and experience, and then move back to TAS. If staying in TAS makes sense for personal reasons, that’s valid too.
Feel free to DM me if you want more advice. I’m mid-level at one of the big 4.
Dez said:
60K is a bit low for a grad position. Big 4 banks usually pay 75-80K, not including super. Their interviews are also mostly behavioral, with minimal technical testing.
That’s true, but those roles are mainly in Sydney or Melbourne, not TAS.
60K isn’t bad. Only a small percentage of grads hit 100K+ numbers, and they’re usually in Sydney or Melbourne.
Focus on learning and getting promoted quickly. Your salary will rise each year. If you want more later, consider moving to a bigger city once you’ve built up experience.
According to posts on this forum, you should expect at least 250K without super. Your mileage may vary.
Clancy said:
According to posts on this forum, you should expect at least 250K without super. Your mileage may vary.
For big tech companies, that’s normal after a few years of experience.
I’m on 78K plus super in Sydney as a graduate software engineer.
Kiernan said:
I’m on 78K plus super in Sydney as a graduate software engineer.
Is SWE short for software engineer?
You’re asking the wrong question. It doesn’t matter if it’s 60K, 80K, or 100K. It’s all entry-level. Instead, ask what skills you need to grow so you can earn much more in 5–10 years.
I’m in finance, but it’s the same principle. Focus on the long term, not an extra 20K right now.
