Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Atlanta, GA

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

Sydney
$151,755
/ year
+7%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$141,734
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta offers better purchasing power despite Sydney paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$151,755✓ higher
$141,734
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,139✓ higher
$91,659
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$234,662✓ higher
$219,167
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,088
$96,256✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,411
$134,985✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$149,171✓ higher
$91,659
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$356,686✓ higher
$219,167

What if you move from Sydney to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$10,021
7% decrease
Take-home change
+$2,168
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$22,574
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$151,755
P10: $149,171Median: $151,755P90: $356,686
Atlanta, GA$141,734
P10: $91,659Median: $141,734P90: $219,167

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

Sydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideAtlanta vs New YorkAtlanta vs Los AngelesAtlanta vs ChicagoAtlanta vs HoustonAll Data Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in Sydney or Atlanta?

The median Data Engineer salary in Sydney is A$230,668/yr compared to $141,734/yr in Atlanta, GA. Sydney pays 7% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Sydney or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $112,411/yr in a median-cost city, vs $134,985/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in Sydney vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $94,088/yr, vs $96,256/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.