Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Chicago, IL

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

Sydney
$116,285
/ year
+2%
difference
Chicago, IL
$114,024
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite Sydney paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$116,285✓ higher
$114,024
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$75,201✓ higher
$73,739
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$179,814✓ higher
$176,318
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$79,074
$79,533✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$86,137
$99,151✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$114,306✓ higher
$73,739
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$273,317✓ higher
$176,318

What if you move from Sydney to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$2,261
2% decrease
Take-home change
+$459
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$13,014
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
Chicago, IL$114,024
P10: $73,739Median: $114,024P90: $176,318

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Network Engineer salary in Sydney is A$176,753/yr compared to $114,024/yr in Chicago, IL. Sydney pays 2% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network 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 $86,137/yr in a median-cost city, vs $99,151/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $79,074/yr, vs $79,533/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.