Workplace Health, Safety & Sustainability Salaries in Australia – Mid 2025
Working in Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) is more than a career—it’s a profession centred on protecting people, driving positive culture, and enabling operational success. In 2025, WHS and HSE roles continue to grow in importance across Australia, not just due to regulation, but because safety, wellbeing, and sustainability are now seen as core leadership priorities.
In this snapshot, we explore how salaries compare across major cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra—while also unpacking what’s driving pay trends and where the best opportunities are emerging.
Capital City Salary Ranges – WHS Roles (2025)
| City | Entry-Level WHS Officer | WHS Advisor/Coordinator | WHS Manager | Head of HSE / Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $85k – $100k | $105k – $135k | $140k – $170k | $200k – $280k+ |
| Melbourne | $80k – $100k | $105k – $125k | $130k – $160k | $190k – $270k+ |
| Brisbane | $75k – $90k | $95k – $125k | $125k – $155k | $185k – $235k+ |
| Perth | $80k – $100k | $105k – $130k | $130k – $170k | $200k – $260k+ |
| Adelaide | $80k – $90k | $95k – $125k | $125k – $155k | $190k – $230k+ |
| Canberra | $75k – $95k | $100k – $120k | $130k – $160k | $180k – $220k+ |
Note: These salary bands reflect base + super and vary based on industry, project type, and experience.
What’s Driving Salary Movement?
Infrastructure & Construction Booms
Major infrastructure projects across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are fuelling demand for experienced WHS professionals—from advisors to senior managers. Projects in transport, energy, defence and renewables are pushing salaries up, especially for those with project delivery experience.
Psychosocial Risk & Wellbeing
The rise of psychosocial safety regulation (Safe Work Australia’s new Code) has driven increased demand for roles focused on mental health, wellbeing, and organisational culture. Candidates with qualifications or experience in these areas are becoming highly sought after.
Sustainability Integration
WHS is no longer a siloed function. More roles now blend health, safety, environment, and ESG responsibilities, especially at the senior level. Professionals with exposure to sustainability reporting, climate risk, or governance are often able to command premium pay.
Tips to Boost Your WHS Career & Salary
- Upskill Smartly: A Diploma or Grad Cert in WHS or HSE is a baseline—consider adding ESG, leadership or psychosocial safety credentials to future-proof your career.
- Target High-Risk Sectors: Construction, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and government are consistently among the best-paying industries for WHS roles.
- Build Soft Skills: Communication, influence, and stakeholder engagement are now just as important as technical compliance. Strong interpersonal skills set high performers apart.
- Follow the Market: Stay active with industry forums and governing bodies including the Australian Health & Safety Institute (AIHS). Roles in renewables, wellbeing, and hybrid workforce safety are growing fast.
What This Means for Employers & Candidates
For Employers
Hiring remains competitive. To attract quality WHS talent, organisations must offer clear career development, purpose-led culture, flexible work options, and visible wellbeing commitments.
For Candidates
It’s a strong job market. Candidates with industry-specific experience (construction, energy, healthcare), psychosocial risk skills, and those investing in continuous development are seeing multiple offers and upward mobility.
Outlook: 2025 & Beyond
With organisations under increasing pressure to deliver safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces, WHS professionals are stepping into more strategic, influential roles. WHS and HSE professionals are therefore well-positioned for continued career growth. The second half of 2025 is expected to bring further opportunities in renewables, government, and ESG-aligned safety leadership.
As the demand for WHS and sustainability professionals continues to rise, securing the right talent requires more than just a job ad—it demands market insight, speed, and a strong employer brand. Whether you're hiring for a key safety role, building a wellbeing team, or integrating ESG into your organisation, Zenergy can help.
We connect Australia’s top HSE talent with forward-thinking employers.
Get in touch today to discuss your hiring needs and access candidates who are ready to lead safety and sustainability in 2025 and beyond.
📩 Contact us at
info@zenergygroup.com.au or call us at
1300 333 400.
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