I recently changed jobs in Melbourne (senior frontend developer). I was told by multiple different people that the average market salary has dropped by about 5-10k since this time last year, but I didn't struggle to get interviews and I was able to accept an offer for what was apparently last year's market salary. Some of the larger companies weren't hiring but in general the market seemed pretty steady.

What is considered a good SFE salary in Sydney now? Thanks!

During the pandemic I was regularly seeing $170k AUD ($116k usd) + super (10% pension contributions) + equity if available, fully remote or 1-2 days a week in the office for senior/staff/principal roles.

I’m now not actively looking but when I’ve had a quick browse on LinkedIn I’m seeing similar jobs now advertised at $140-150k. All now marked as “Hybrid” or must be in the office, remote has backtracked massively. Looking at the Hybrid definition a lot say 3-4 days in the office.

For senior / staff / principal roles I won’t look at them if less than $170k which is still a huge pay cut on my current role, admittedly I got lucky with.

Also Sydney, also not heard anything. It felt stable enough to take some extended leave to see family overseas and as far as I know business has carried on as usual.

Sydney-based seed round startup, ~40 people. From last month some folks started getting cut (mostly permanent senior engs) to be replaced with temporary 6-12 month junior/mid-level devs. Rumor is it's done to reduce the headcount "on paper". Might be just a "regular" optimization, we do payroll automation and with these AI tools popping up every day we might get out-competed soon.

> Don't want to jinx it

I think it's coming. Australia is always lagging behind. All indicators (RBA rates, etc) point that it will hit. Might be closer to winter.