Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Sydney

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

Seattle, WA
$151,026
/ year
+30%
difference
Sydney
$116,285
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Sydney
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$151,026✓ higher
$116,285
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$97,668✓ higher
$75,201
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$233,535✓ higher
$179,814
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$101,864✓ higher
$79,074
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$106,356✓ higher
$86,137
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.35×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$97,668
$114,306✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$233,535
$273,317✓ higher

What if you move from Seattle to Sydney?

Gross salary change
$34,741
30% decrease
Take-home change
$22,790
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$20,219
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

Seattle, WA$151,026
P10: $97,668Median: $151,026P90: $233,535
Sydney$116,285
P10: $114,306Median: $116,285P90: $273,317

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

Seattle vs New YorkSeattle vs Los AngelesSeattle vs ChicagoSeattle vs HoustonSeattle vs PhoenixSeattle vs PhiladelphiaSydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideAll Network Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Seattle or Sydney?

The median Network Engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $151,026/yr compared to A$176,753/yr in Sydney. Seattle pays 30% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Seattle or Sydney after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $106,356/yr in a median-cost city, vs $86,137/yr for Sydney. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Network Engineer in Seattle vs Sydney?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $101,864/yr, vs $79,074/yr in Sydney. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.