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How to Become a Corrosion Engineer: Australian Careers in Engineering

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What is a Corrosion Engineer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Corrosion Engineer?

A corrosion engineer stops the damage that rust and chemical reactions cause to metals, pipes, and structures. They work mainly in oil and gas, mining, and energy across Australia.

Day to day, they inspect gear and measure corrosion rates in pipes, tanks, and machines. They then suggest materials, coatings, and upkeep plans to stop corrosion before it causes failures. They also advise on welding and repairs.

Corrosion engineers work alongside other engineers, contractors, and site teams. They design corrosion control plans and check that safety rules and standards are met. Their work helps companies avoid costly shutdowns and extend the life of key assets.

The average salary for a corrosion engineer in Australia is about $92,500 a year (PayScale, 2026). Pay rises with experience, and senior roles in the resources sector can earn much more.

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Career snapshots For Corrosion Engineers

This snapshot covers the job outlook and working conditions for corrosion engineers in Australia.

The average weekly pay for this group is about $2,502, or about $130,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). PayScale data from 2026 puts the median for corrosion engineers at $92,500 a year. Most roles pay between $81,000 and $117,000. Pay tends to be higher in oil, gas, and mining. About 84% of workers are in full-time roles (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age is 32, and women make up about 14% of the field. Future demand is rated as strong (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025), backed by strong investment in mining, energy, and large construction projects.

What will I do?

Corrosion engineers protect assets and equipment from one of industry’s biggest threats. They are in demand across oil and gas, mining, and energy. Anywhere pipes, tanks, or structures face harsh conditions, corrosion engineers are needed. Their work stops costly failures and keeps sites safe.

  • Find corrosion types and measure corrosion rates in pipes, tanks, and operating equipment.
  • Advise on welding and repair methods to restore or maintain structural strength.
  • Give guidance on design, operation, and upkeep to cut corrosion risk.
  • Inspect equipment to confirm safety, efficiency, and compliance with rules.
  • Help contractors and vendors design and run corrosion control plans for specific sites.

What skills do I need?

A good corrosion engineer blends technical knowledge with practical problem-solving. The core areas are materials science, corrosion chemistry, and the properties of metals and alloys. Engineers must read inspection data, run tests, and apply findings to real asset challenges.

Good communication skills matter just as much. Corrosion engineers brief project teams, write technical reports, and advise contractors on control plans. They also manage their own workloads and work in multi-discipline project teams. Keeping up with new standards, coatings, and inspection tools is part of the job.

Skills/attributes

  • Knowledge of materials science and metal properties
  • Understanding of corrosion mechanisms and prevention techniques
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Experience with inspection and non-destructive testing methods
  • Ability to design and manage corrosion control programmes
  • Problem-solving and technical decision-making
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Project management and planning
  • Attention to detail in inspections and reports
  • Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards
  • Ability to work in industrial and offshore environments
  • Commitment to safety and environmental protection

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.