Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Melbourne vs Brisbane

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

Melbourne
$109,511
/ year
+8%
difference
Brisbane
$101,784
/ year
Bottom line: Brisbane offers better purchasing power despite Melbourne paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Melbourne
Brisbane
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$109,511✓ higher
$101,784
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$70,820✓ higher
$65,823
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$169,339✓ higher
$157,391
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$74,467✓ higher
$69,213
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$87,609
$90,879✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$107,646✓ higher
$100,051
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$257,395✓ higher
$239,234

What if you move from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Gross salary change
$7,727
8% decrease
Take-home change
$5,254
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,270
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

Melbourne$109,511
P10: $107,646Median: $109,511P90: $257,395
Brisbane$101,784
P10: $100,051Median: $101,784P90: $239,234

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Melbourne or Brisbane?

The median Network Engineer salary in Melbourne is A$166,457/yr compared to A$154,712/yr in Brisbane. Melbourne pays 8% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Melbourne or Brisbane after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Melbourne salary has the purchasing power of $87,609/yr in a median-cost city, vs $90,879/yr for Brisbane. Brisbane offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Network Engineer in Melbourne vs Brisbane?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Melbourne takes home approximately $74,467/yr, vs $69,213/yr in Brisbane. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.