Salary Comparison

Machine Learning 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
-43%
difference
Chicago, IL
$182,538
/ 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
$182,538✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$68,874
$118,046✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$156,454
$282,263✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$70,588
$121,947✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$76,893
$158,729✓ 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
$118,046✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$237,810
$282,263✓ higher

What if you move from Sydney to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$78,732
43% increase
Take-home change
+$51,359
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$81,836
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$182,538
P10: $118,046Median: $182,538P90: $282,263

More Machine Learning Engineer salary comparisons

Sydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideChicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhoenixAll Machine Learning Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Machine Learning Engineer earn more in Sydney or Chicago?

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Sydney is A$157,785/yr compared to $182,538/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 43% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Machine Learning 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 $158,729/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Machine Learning Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $70,588/yr, vs $121,947/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.