Hi there, first time poster here and would greatly appreciate some advice. I am a civil engineer (site based) with 5 years experience and I have a job offer in Gladstone (QLD). I am considering moving from the UK and have been offered the following, and would be grateful if someone could advise if this was the "going rate" so to speak. The role is site engineer. Also would this amount enable a good standard of living? I have no children and will have to fully support my fiancee until she finds work. I should add that I am currently on 29k in the uk and trying to gauge if this will be a step up in terms of comparative salary.

$100,000 + LAFHA (which hasn't been made clear yet)
$10,000 relocation one off payment

Many thanks.

For a young (?) engineer with 5 years experience $100,000+ seems a reasonable salary and is certainly a salary that two can live on - either simply or pretty well, depending on how much the + is.

Gladstone is a growing town, what with the coal export from the local mines and now the LNG process plants being built on Curtis Island. Lots of things to do - sailing, snorkeling, swimming, etc.

Thank you for the reply, I am 28 and am not sure whether to ask for more or accept their offer. It's a big move, but one I am looking forward to. I just want to make sure I am getting what the going rate is for civil engineers in that area. That is certainly reassuring that it seems a reasonable salary.

100k for engineer
130k for senior engineer
150k for principal engineer

That's what I am finding on average in Brisbane for civil engineers. Your offer seems reasonable.

For Gladstone, I would say that it is a bit low. Gladstone is now developing as a major seam gas processing hub and demand for engineers will be white hot.

You would be getting at least $150k working in Perth CBD - more on site.

Depends who he will be working for, and the terms and conditions. Yes, a civil engineer with 5 years experience might be able to get $150k in Perth, but that would presume that his experience and qualifications matched exactly with the employer's requirements.

$100k plus whatever in Gladstone is not bad at 28.

Seems a tad low too from what I know...120 seems about right but you might be ale to negotiate whopping lafha...?

Disagree. I would be looking for more.

I would say it's pretty much spot on.

You'd probably pick up another 30k per annum with LAFHA. Once you've been here a while you could start picking up more $$ out in the field, but you're getting a good first step into Australia ... especially if you're coming from £27k.

Can you mention the name of the prospective employer ... or even the first letter? The company that I work for is also involved in the Gladstone project.

No way is that the going rate for engineers in Gladstone especially if its for the lng plants, unless your a graduate that is. I lived there for 3 years just recently moved so I have a good indication of what people are earning.

Thanks to everyone for replying to the thread. Some mixed views and definately some food for thought! I would prefer not to mention the company on a public forum however. I will let you guys know how I get on!