Aerospace engineer salary: understanding gross, package and take-home pay
The median weekly earnings for other engineering professionals (which includes aeronautical engineers) is $2,649, but specific data for aeronautical engineers is not available from the ABS.
Aerospace engineer salary: what the data shows
If you are looking up an aerospace engineer salary in Australia, you will likely come across figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia. The most specific occupation is Aeronautical Engineer (ANZSCO 233911). However, the latest data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that median weekly earnings for this exact role are not published due to a high standard error. The broader group 'Other Engineering Professionals' (2339) – which includes aeronautical engineers – has a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,649 before tax. That works out to about $137,748 a year if you work 52 weeks. But remember: that is a median, not a starting salary. Your actual offer will depend on experience, industry and location.
Gross, package and take-home: the common mix-up
When you see an aerospace engineer salary advertised, it might be quoted as a 'package' that includes superannuation. Since 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings. If a job ad says '$140,000 package', the base salary is roughly $125,000 before super. That base is what gets taxed. Your take-home pay – the amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight – is what remains after income tax and the Medicare levy are deducted.
For example, on a $125,000 base salary, your annual income tax (using 2026–27 rates) would be about $28,320, plus the Medicare levy of 2% ($2,500). That leaves roughly $94,180 a year, or about $3,623 per fortnight. If the ad instead says '$140,000 plus super', your base is $140,000 and your take-home would be higher – around $104,000 a year or $4,000 per fortnight. Always check which wording is used.
Estimating your take-home pay
To work out your own numbers, use the Take-home pay guide on this site. The key steps are:
- Start with your gross annual salary – the figure before any deductions.
- Subtract income tax using the resident tax brackets for 2026–27:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each dollar over $18,200
- $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000
- $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each dollar over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each dollar over $190,000
- Apply the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) if your taxable income is under $66,667. It can reduce your tax but not below zero.
- Subtract the Medicare levy – 2% of your taxable income. If your income is below $28,011, you pay nothing. Between $28,011 and $35,013, the levy is 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%.
- Divide by 26 to get a fortnightly take-home figure.
Remember: this is an estimate. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and any salary sacrifice arrangements. For a more precise calculation, use the Clearance tool on this site.
Superannuation and salary packaging
Your super is not taken out of your take-home pay if your salary is quoted 'plus super'. It is an additional contribution your employer makes. However, if your salary is quoted 'including super', the super component is part of your total remuneration and your base salary is lower. The Super guide explains the rules.
Salary packaging (also called salary sacrificing) lets you pay for certain items – like a car or laptop – with pre-tax dollars. This reduces your taxable income and can increase your take-home pay, but it also reduces your super guarantee base. The Salary packaging guide covers common options for engineers.
Benchmarks to compare
To see how an aerospace engineer salary stacks up against other occupations, check the Benchmarks page. The national minimum wage from Fair Work is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (for a 38‑hour week). The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, according to the ABS. The median for other engineering professionals ($2,649) is well above both.
Final thoughts
When evaluating a job offer, always clarify whether the figure is base salary, total package including super, or take-home. Use the tools on this site to convert between them. The Tax and Medicare page has more detail on how the levy works. And remember: the numbers here are guides, not a tax assessment. For your personal situation, consult a registered tax agent.
Questions
How do I estimate my take-home pay as an aerospace engineer?
Start with your gross annual salary. Subtract income tax using the 2026–27 resident rates: nil on the first $18,200, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, 30c up to $135,000, and so on. Then subtract the Medicare levy of 2% (full rate applies if your income is above $35,013). The result is your annual take-home. Divide by 26 for a fortnightly figure. Remember that super is not deducted from your take-home if your contract says 'plus super'.
What is the difference between a salary package and take-home pay?
A salary package often includes superannuation and may include benefits like a car or salary sacrifice. Your take-home pay is the amount that reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy are deducted. If your package is quoted 'including super', your gross salary is lower, which reduces your take-home. Always check whether the figure is base salary or total package.
Does the Medicare levy surcharge apply to aerospace engineers?
The Medicare levy surcharge applies if you do not have appropriate private hospital cover and your income exceeds a threshold ($93,000 for singles in 2026–27). It is separate from the standard Medicare levy. This guide does not include the surcharge; you should check your situation with the Australian Taxation Office or a tax professional.