Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Denver, CO

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

Sydney
$151,755
/ year
-13%
difference
Denver, CO
$175,001
/ year
Bottom line: Denver wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Denver
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$151,755
$175,001✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,139
$113,172✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$234,662
$270,608✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,088
$116,822✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,411
$153,510✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.14×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$149,171✓ higher
$113,172
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$356,686✓ higher
$270,608

What if you move from Sydney to Denver?

Gross salary change
+$23,246
13% increase
Take-home change
+$22,734
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$41,099
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
Denver, CO$175,001
P10: $113,172Median: $175,001P90: $270,608

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Engineer salary in Sydney is A$230,668/yr compared to $175,001/yr in Denver, CO. Denver pays 13% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Sydney or Denver 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 $153,510/yr for Denver. Denver offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $94,088/yr, vs $116,822/yr in Denver, CO. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.