The highest paid tech salaries in Australia revealed

Australian businesses hiring a director of artificial intelligence can expect to pay around $245,000 in compensation, with junior data support workers seeking salaries of $90,000, according to a new tech sector salary guide.

However, some non-technical roles can attract salaries in excess of $370,000, showing AI is yet to fully replace the old-fashioned sales executive.

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Top sales VPs can earn as much as $370,800, and an average of $267,341, while VPs of people and culture can take home as much as $300,000, or an average of $211,433.

Similarly, finance VPs can earn up to $300,000, according to the report, or an average of $212,741.

Salaries for marketing VPs can extend to $350,000, and an average of $207,857.

As AI infiltrates functions like resume screening and internal communications, the average HR and talent role commands a salary of $153,168, the report found.

Employers hiring for sales and customer relationship positions can expect to pay an average of $132,040.

AI at the forefront

The report found “heavy” investment in AI and data science, with a growing number of machine learning and software engineering experts seconded into specialist roles.

AI leadership roles are popping up at major Australian corporates, with businesses like Bunnings, Carsales, and Coles Group actively recruiting for director-level AI and machine learning talent.

“We expect this trend to continue as the function matures over the next 24 months,” the report said.

Those roles are not yet commanding the eye-watering compensation offered in Silicon Valley, with local salaries “relatively conservative” compared to the seven-figure salaries offered abroad.

Compensation for AI directors ranges between $236,380 and $250,508, the report found, with far more variance in hardcore technical roles.

Businesses seeking a dedicated head of data can expect to pay $170,000 on the low end, and up to $350,000 for the most senior technical talent.

Salaries for principal engineers in machine learning start at $150,003 but can go as high as $250,000, with senior analytics engineers asking for between $160,000 and $180,000.

As a baseline, junior data support specialists — workers providing administrative assistance and basic data oversight — have a median pay of $90,000.

Real pay packets could be even higher, as the Think and Grow data does not include superannuation, bonuses, equity, and other paid benefits.

The AI pay figures broadly correlate with more ‘traditional’ tech roles, with the consultancy declaring AI and data science roles are becoming par for the course.

Australian tech businesses “cannot afford to not invest in AI and compete with the newer AI-native companies coming through,” it said.

Location still matters

The data shows tech sector salaries in NSW are the highest on average: software engineering, IT, and product professionals can expect a 2.93% wage premium compared to the mean.

Data and AI specialists in the state have it even better, with a 3.59% income bump compared to the overall rate, with executive leadership even better off, claiming salaries 8.45% over the average.

Business size does matter, too.

The report finds the smallest technology businesses have an average salary of $136,241 across all functions, rising to $153,610 for medium-sized ventures.

The average salary at Australia’s biggest tech players is $150,780 — likely a function of those employers hiring more entry-level staff than their smaller rivals, bringing the overall average down.

Employers can read the report here.

Source

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