Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Brisbane

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

Sydney
$116,285
/ year
+14%
difference
Brisbane
$101,784
/ year
Bottom line: Brisbane offers better purchasing power despite Sydney paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Brisbane
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$116,285✓ higher
$101,784
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$75,201✓ higher
$65,823
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$179,814✓ higher
$157,391
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$79,074✓ higher
$69,213
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$86,137
$90,879✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$114,306✓ higher
$100,051
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$273,317✓ higher
$239,234

What if you move from Sydney to Brisbane?

Gross salary change
$14,501
14% decrease
Take-home change
$9,861
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,742
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$116,285
P10: $114,306Median: $116,285P90: $273,317
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 Sydney or Brisbane?

The median Network Engineer salary in Sydney is A$176,753/yr compared to A$154,712/yr in Brisbane. Sydney pays 14% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $86,137/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 Sydney vs Brisbane?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $79,074/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.