Salaries
Varley Group salary in Australia
Industry averages, award minimums, and live Varley Group openings in Australia.
Manufacturing pay in Australia
Varley Group sits in the Manufacturing industry (6302.0 division C). These are the official AU averages for full-time adult employees in that industry — not Varley Group-specific pay, but the statistical baseline the company hires against.
Average weekly
$1,833.40
full-time adult, ordinary-time
Annualised
$95,337/ yr
weekly × 52 (excludes overtime, bonuses)
vs AU all-industries
-10.6%
AU avg $2,051.10 / wk ($106,657 / yr)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Average Weekly Earnings, Australia (cat. 6302.0), reference period November 2025. Figures are seasonally adjusted full-time adult ordinary-time earnings; they exclude overtime, bonuses, and salary sacrifice. Varley Group may pay above or below the industry average depending on role, level, and location.
If you're considering a career at one of Australia's most established engineering companies, understanding Varley Group salary rates and the minimum hiring age is an essential first step. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of pay rates for all key positions at Varley Group in 2026, including trade, engineering, project management, and corporate roles. Whether you're a school leaver eyeing an apprenticeship or a senior engineer negotiating your next package, this resource has everything you need.
For information on available positions and how to apply, visit our main guide: Varley Group Job Application Online 2026 – Careers, Salaries & Hiring Guide.
About Varley Group
Varley Group is a 100% Australian-owned engineering company founded in Newcastle, NSW, in 1886. With over 135 years of history, Varley operates across defence, aerospace, rail, emergency vehicles, power systems, and electric vehicle manufacturing. The company employs hundreds of skilled professionals across facilities in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. Varley's significant government and defence contracts make it one of the most financially stable private employers in the Australian engineering sector.
Varley Group Minimum Hiring Age
The minimum age to work at Varley Group in Australia depends on the role type:
- School-based Apprenticeships: Minimum age of 15 years. These programs allow secondary school students to begin formal trade training while completing their HSC or equivalent.
- Standard Apprenticeships & Junior Roles: Minimum age of 16 years. Most entry-level apprenticeship programs at Varley require candidates to be at least 16.
- Full-Time Adult Roles: Minimum age of 18 years. All professional, trade, and technical positions on a full-time basis require applicants to be 18 or over.
- Defence & Security-Cleared Roles: Minimum age of 18 years, plus Australian citizenship. Security clearance processes have strict age and residency requirements.
Varley Group Salary 2026 – All Positions
The following salary ranges are based on typical market rates for roles at Varley Group in Australia as of 2026. Actual pay may vary depending on experience, qualifications, location, shift patterns, and whether the role falls under a specific award or enterprise agreement.
Engineering & Technical Salaries
| Position | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Mechanical Engineer | $68,000 – $80,000 | $34 – $40 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $85,000 – $115,000 | $43 – $57 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | $115,000 – $140,000 | $57 – $70 |
| Electrical Technician | $72,000 – $98,000 | $36 – $49 |
| Senior Electrical Engineer | $110,000 – $135,000 | $55 – $67 |
| QA / Quality Inspector | $70,000 – $95,000 | $35 – $47 |
| Systems Engineer | $90,000 – $120,000 | $45 – $60 |
Trade & Production Salaries
| Position | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrication Welder | $68,000 – $90,000 | $34 – $45 |
| Boilermaker | $70,000 – $92,000 | $35 – $46 |
| Vehicle Body Builder | $65,000 – $85,000 | $32 – $42 |
| Mechanical Fitter | $70,000 – $95,000 | $35 – $47 |
| CNC Machinist | $68,000 – $88,000 | $34 – $44 |
| Production Operator | $55,000 – $72,000 | $27 – $36 |
Defence & Specialist Salaries
| Position | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Defence Technician | $75,000 – $105,000 | $37 – $52 |
| Defence Systems Engineer | $100,000 – $135,000 | $50 – $67 |
| NDT Inspector | $80,000 – $110,000 | $40 – $55 |
Project Management & Leadership Salaries
| Position | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Coordinator | $75,000 – $95,000 | $37 – $47 |
| Project Manager | $100,000 – $140,000 | $50 – $70 |
| Senior Project Manager | $130,000 – $160,000 | $65 – $80 |
| Operations Manager | $120,000 – $155,000 | $60 – $77 |
| Team Leader / Supervisor | $85,000 – $110,000 | $42 – $55 |
Administration & Corporate Salaries
| Position | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration Officer | $55,000 – $72,000 | $27 – $36 |
| HR Coordinator | $65,000 – $82,000 | $32 – $41 |
| Procurement / Supply Chain | $70,000 – $95,000 | $35 – $47 |
| Finance Officer | $65,000 – $85,000 | $32 – $42 |
| Business Development Manager | $100,000 – $130,000 | $50 – $65 |
Apprentice & Trainee Salaries
| Year of Apprenticeship | Annual Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Apprentice | $22,000 – $30,000 | $11 – $15 |
| Year 2 Apprentice | $28,000 – $36,000 | $14 – $18 |
| Year 3 Apprentice | $34,000 – $44,000 | $17 – $22 |
| Year 4 Apprentice | $40,000 – $52,000 | $20 – $26 |
| Graduate / Junior Tradesperson | $52,000 – $65,000 | $26 – $32 |
Note: Apprentice wages are governed by the applicable Modern Award (e.g., Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020). Annual pay rises apply each year of the apprenticeship. Figures above are indicative and may vary based on state, employer agreement, and year of study.
Varley Group Benefits & Allowances
Beyond the base salary, Varley Group employees may be entitled to the following:
- Superannuation: 11.5% employer contribution (as of 2026), in line with Australian legislation.
- Overtime & Shift Allowances: Penalty rates apply for overtime, weekend, and public holiday work under the relevant award or enterprise agreement.
- Tool Allowance: Trade employees may receive a tool allowance or Varley-supplied tooling.
- Training & Certification Support: Varley may fund relevant licences, certifications, and professional development courses.
- Performance Bonuses: Senior and project management roles may include performance-based incentive components.
- Security Clearance Support: For defence roles, Varley typically sponsors the security clearance process at no cost to the employee.
How Does Varley Group Pay Compare in Australia?
Varley Group's pay rates are generally competitive to above-average for the Australian engineering and manufacturing sector. When compared with similar employers in the defence and heavy engineering space, Varley salaries sit at or above the industry median for most roles. For trade roles, Varley's pay rates are comparable to those offered by large construction and mining contractors, reflecting the specialised and often security-sensitive nature of the work.
For a broader understanding of how engineering salaries compare across Australia, explore our Pay Rate & Salary in Australia category, which includes salary breakdowns for leading Australian employers across all industries.
How to Maximise Your Salary at Varley Group
- Hold Relevant Certifications: Additional licences (e.g., forklift, white card, welding certifications, security clearance) can add significant value to your application and justify higher starting pay.
- Negotiate at Offer Stage: Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary when you receive an offer. Research the market rate using resources like SEEK Salary Insights and Glassdoor before your negotiation.
- Apply for Senior or Specialist Roles: Defence-specialist and systems engineering roles at Varley attract premium salaries due to their technical complexity and security requirements.
- Demonstrate Progression: Varley promotes from within. Showing initiative, seeking additional responsibilities, and completing further training can lead to structured pay increases.
Frequently Asked Questions – Varley Group Pay
Q: Does Varley Group pay above the minimum wage?
Yes. All Varley Group roles pay above the national minimum wage. Most positions are classified under the relevant industry award, with many roles paying significantly above award rates, particularly for specialist or defence-related positions.
Q: Are Varley Group wages paid weekly or fortnightly?
Varley Group typically pays employees on a fortnightly basis, which is standard practice for Australian employers in the engineering and manufacturing sector.
Q: Can I negotiate my starting salary at Varley Group?
Yes, particularly for experienced professionals and specialist roles. Entry-level and award-based positions (such as apprenticeships) have limited flexibility due to legislated rates, but mid-to-senior level professional salaries are often negotiable.
Q: Does Varley Group offer salary reviews?
Yes. Varley Group typically conducts annual performance and salary reviews. Employees in award-based roles will also benefit from legislated award increases, which are updated annually by the Fair Work Commission.
More Varley Group Resources
- Varley Group Job Application Online 2026 – Full guide to applying, available jobs, and hiring process.
- Varley Group Interview Questions and Answers 2026 – Prepare for your Varley interview with real sample Q&As.
- Construction & Trades Jobs in Australia – Explore all trades and engineering career guides.
- Pay Rate & Salary in Australia – Compare salaries across leading Australian employers.
Live Varley Group openings
No live openings at Varley Group in Australia right now.