Software Developer Job Profile

Salary, Duties & Career Insights

What Does a Software Developer Do?


Software Developers are responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems that power everything from enterprise platforms to everyday mobile apps.


In Australia’s technology sector, software development roles span across front-end, back-end, full-stack, and mobile development, as well as more specialised areas like embedded systems, automation testing, and enterprise architecture.


Core responsibilities often include:

  • Designing and implementing software solutions based on business requirements
  • Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code
  • Conducting code reviews, debugging, and performance optimisation
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Product, Design, and DevOpsImplementing automated testing and CI/CD pipelines
  • Staying current with emerging technologies, frameworks, and tools


A great Software Developer balances strong technical capability with communication and teamwork skills, bridging the gap between technical logic and real-world application.

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Software Developer Salary in Australia


Salaries vary depending on experience level, skill set, and location, as well as whether the role is permanent or contract-based.


The following salary and rate data is drawn from mid- to senior-level Software Development roles featured in our tech Salary & Rate Guide, including Full Stack, Front End, Back End, Web, and Mobile Developers across major Australian cities.


Permanent salaries (base + super):

  • Adelaide: $90k – $180k+
  • Brisbane: $100k – $200k+
  • Canberra: $95k – $190k+
  • Melbourne: $100k – $200k+
  • Sydney: $110k – $220k+


Contract daily rates:

  • Adelaide: $650 – $1,200+ per day
  • Brisbane: $700 – $1,300+ per day
  • Canberra: $800 – $1,400+ per day
  • Melbourne: $850 – $1,400+ per day
  • Sydney: $900 – $1,600+ per day


According to Emanate Technology’s FY25–26 Salary & Rate Guide, Software Development remains one of the most in-demand technology verticals nationwide, with very high hiring demand across every major city.

Download the Full Salary Guide

Fuelling Innovation Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Our Diversity, Equity And Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement


At Emanate, we believe that diversity and inclusion go far beyond quotas—they are intrinsic to creating excellence. With our unique focus on the Australian tech industry, we have gained valuable insight into what makes high-performing teams truly excel. Our data shows that diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to success.


Diversity brings unique perspectives, challenges the status quo, and pushes boundaries to set new standards. A team that draws from varied experiences and backgrounds can achieve unparalleled results. After all, if we’re all sitting around the table with the same thoughts and ideas, we aren’t innovating. In fact, it suggests we may not need that repetition in the first place.


But what does this mean in practice?


At Emanate, our mission is clear: quality. To us, quality isn't just a concept; it’s a commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for every business and project, no matter its form. We aim to actively educate ourselves and the market we work in, taking diligent steps to uncover and support true quality in every team we engage with.


Emanate is committed to representing CALD, LGBTQIA+, disabled, aging, and other underrepresented groups—not only within our own team but across all the teams we collaborate with. Diversity isn’t only a goal for us; we believe it’s a vital force that forms the canvass for creating something extraordinary.


Looking to strengthen your workforce with diverse hiring? Partner with us to review your recruitment processes and practices.

Demand for Software Developers in Australia


Software Developers continue to experience significant demand across the Australian market, driven by large-scale digital transformation, AI integration, and modernisation of legacy systems.


Key insights from our 2025–26 market data:

  • Hiring demand: Very high across all capital cities
  • Gender diversity: 81% male, 19% female nationally
  • Hottest roles: Full Stack Developers, Engineering Managers, Solution Architects
  • Industry drivers: Cloud-native software builds, SaaS expansion, automation, and enterprise integration



Cities like Canberra, Brisbane, and Sydney are currently the most competitive hiring markets, with shortages across both government and commercial sectors.

Download the Full Salary Guide

Our Ongoing DEI Initiatives

Emanate Technology is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech and cyber security recruitment industries. We actively sponsor and participate in national events, but we also invest in initiatives with long-term impact and aspire to continually grow in what we do:


  • Internal DEI Working Group: We meet monthly to assess our practices, review progress against our goals, and brainstorm new initiatives.


  • Women for STEM Support: We actively support and promote Women for STEM, helping drive more representation of women in tech.


  • WIC Work Experience Connections: We participate in programs that provide work experience opportunities for women in tech, creating real pathways into IT careers.


  • Bias-Free Recruitment Training: We run regular training sessions, including Dismantling Unconscious Bias in Recruitment, to continuously improve our internal and external hiring practices.
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The logo for the australian women in security network
The logo for wic women in ict shows a woman 's head with circuits coming out of it.
A colorful sign that says `` women 4 stem '' on a white background.

Software Developer Job Description Example

A typical Software Developer job description might include:


Key Duties:

  • Develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions
  • Collaborate with product managers and designers to deliver features
  • Maintain and improve existing applications
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies and code reviews
  • Contribute to documentation and technical standards


Key Skills & Experience:

  • Proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Go
  • Experience with frameworks like React, Angular, .NET, or Node.js
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Knowledge of version control, testing, and CI/CD pipelines
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills


For senior roles, leadership capability, architectural experience, and delivery oversight are highly valued.

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Our Commitment To Community & Corporate Social Responsibility 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving back to the communities in which we operate is very important to us here at Emanate Technology. Learn more about how we give back

Learn More

Why Work With a Specialist Software Development Recruiter?

Whether you’re a developer looking for your next challenge or an employer seeking top-tier talent, partnering with a recruiter who specialises in Software Development can make all the difference.


At Emanate Technology, we:

  • Recruit across all major software roles (Full Stack, Front End, Back End, Mobile, Testing, and Architecture)
  • Provide current salary benchmarking and hiring insights
  • Source pre-qualified candidates ready for contract or permanent roles
  • Offer support with CV refinement, interview preparation, and career strategy
  • Work closely with hiring teams to ensure cultural and technical fit
Software Development Recruitment Software Development Jobs

FAQs About Software Developer Jobs in Australia

  • What qualifications do you need to be a Software Developer?

    Many developers hold degrees in Computer Science or Software Engineering, but practical experience, certifications, and a strong portfolio are equally valued.

  • Is software development in demand in Australia?

    Yes! Software Developers are consistently among the top five most in-demand tech roles, especially within SaaS, fintech, cloud, and government sectors.


  • How much does a Software Developer earn in Australia?

    Permanent roles generally range from $90k - $220k+, while contractors can earn $650 - $1,600 per day depending on experience and location.


     



  • What career paths are available in software development?

    Career progression can lead to technical leadership, architecture, DevOps, or product-focused roles such as Engineering Manager, Solution Architect, or Head of Engineering.



Understanding The Australian Tech Landscape

The Australian tech industry still has progress to make:


  • 28% of the tech workforce are women, with even lower representation in senior leadership roles.


  • 8% of tech workers identify as having a disability, highlighting the need for more inclusive hiring practices.


  • CALD individuals make up 42% of tech professionals, yet barriers to leadership remain a challenge.


These statistics drive our determination to be part of the solution.

Our Aspiration Is To Learn From The Best

We actively study and implement practices from industry leaders who are making tangible progress in DEI, and look to formally introduce programs based on:


  • Blind Hiring & Anonymised Resumes: Reducing bias by removing names, ages, and other identifiers during initial screening.


  • Diversity Panels for Hiring Decisions: Including diverse voices in the hiring process to mitigate bias and broaden perspectives.


  • Flexible Work Policies: Supporting better work-life balance, which has been shown to improve retention of underrepresented groups.

Our Commitments

  • Representation & Advocacy: Actively promoting diversity in all its forms within our internal teams and across the industry.


  • Education & Awareness: Continuously learning, evolving, and sharing knowledge to drive meaningful change.


  • Equity & Accessibility: Breaking down barriers to ensure equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.


  • Community Involvement: Participating in and sponsoring events, programs, and initiatives that champion underrepresented voices

Latest Insights With A Diversity & Inclusion Lens:

Group of professionals in an office setting (for culture fit article.

Why Hiring for Culture Fit Is Important

By Emanate Technology • July 31, 2025
Learn why culture fit is important, how to hire for culture fit, and what culture fit questions to ask when building or joining a high-performing team.
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How Neurodiversity is Shaping the Tech Workforce

By Emanate Technology • March 16, 2025
Understand what neurodiversity is and how the tech workforce is changing. Why is support important? And how to build inclusive tech teams in Australia.
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Working With Multigenerational Tech Teams

By Emanate Technology • October 11, 2024
From our perspective in tech recruitment, we see age diversity increasing within organisations with the rise of multi-generational teams, creating both challenges and opportunities for effective collaboration, engagement and workplace culture. Today’s multi-generational teams now have Baby Boomers (born between 1955 and 1964), Generation X..
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Tackling Gender Diversity Challenges in Tech

By Emanate Technology • February 27, 2024
Discover effective strategies to enhance gender diversity in technology industry workplaces – read about gender equality in Australian tech here.
Show More
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Our Actions & Goals

  • Diverse Talent Pools: Building and maintaining talent pools that reflect the true diversity of the tech landscape.


  • Bias-Free Recruitment: Implementing structured, bias-conscious hiring processes to support fair decision-making.


  • Pathway Programs: Expanding work experience and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups.


  • Regular Reporting & Reflection: Tracking DEI metrics, gathering feedback, and holding ourselves accountable for ongoing improvement.

This is just a starting point, and we know there will always be more to do. But at Emanate, we are unwavering in our dedication to influencing a tech industry where everyone, no matter who they are, has the opportunity to thrive.

Ready to Explore Software Developer Opportunities?

If you’re ready to hire skilled software talent or take the next step in your software developer career, Emanate Technology can help.


We connect leading organisations with experienced Software Developers across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney, specialising in both permanent and contract roles.

Work For Us

Sound like an organisation you would like to be part of? We offer a fun, flexible and trusting working environment with all the tools and support for your career to really excel. Learn more about life at Emanate.