Salary Comparison

AI Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Chicago, IL

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Sydney
$103,806
/ year
-46%
difference
Chicago, IL
$193,908
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$103,806
$193,908✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$68,874
$125,399✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$156,454
$299,844✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$70,588
$129,679✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$76,893
$168,616✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$104,688
$125,399✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$237,810
$299,844✓ higher

What if you move from Sydney to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$90,102
46% increase
Take-home change
+$59,091
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$91,723
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Sydney$103,806
P10: $104,688Median: $103,806P90: $237,810
Chicago, IL$193,908
P10: $125,399Median: $193,908P90: $299,844

More AI Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a AI Engineer earn more in Sydney or Chicago?

The median AI Engineer salary in Sydney is A$157,785/yr compared to $193,908/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 46% more in gross terms.

▶Is a AI Engineer salary worth more in Sydney or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $76,893/yr in a median-cost city, vs $168,616/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a AI Engineer in Sydney vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a AI Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $70,588/yr, vs $129,679/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.