Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Chicago, IL

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

Sydney
$151,755
/ year
-9%
difference
Chicago, IL
$166,371
/ 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
$151,755
$166,371✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,139
$107,591✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$234,662
$257,263✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,088
$111,124✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,411
$144,670✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$149,171✓ higher
$107,591
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$356,686✓ higher
$257,263

What if you move from Sydney to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$14,616
9% increase
Take-home change
+$17,036
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$32,259
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
Chicago, IL$166,371
P10: $107,591Median: $166,371P90: $257,263

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Engineer salary in Sydney is A$230,668/yr compared to $166,371/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 9% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data 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 $112,411/yr in a median-cost city, vs $144,670/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $94,088/yr, vs $111,124/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.