Salary Comparison

Program Manager Salary:
Sydney vs Chicago, IL

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

Sydney
$151,967
/ year
-3%
difference
Chicago, IL
$157,412
/ 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
$151,967
$157,412✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$98,276
$101,798✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$234,990
$243,410✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,220
$105,718✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,568
$136,880✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$149,380✓ higher
$101,798
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$357,185✓ higher
$243,410

What if you move from Sydney to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$5,445
3% increase
Take-home change
+$11,498
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$24,312
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$151,967
P10: $149,380Median: $151,967P90: $357,185
Chicago, IL$157,412
P10: $101,798Median: $157,412P90: $243,410

More Program Manager salary comparisons

Sydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideChicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhoenixAll Program Manager salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Program Manager earn more in Sydney or Chicago?

The median Program Manager salary in Sydney is A$230,990/yr compared to $157,412/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 3% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Program Manager 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 $112,568/yr in a median-cost city, vs $136,880/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Program Manager in Sydney vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Program Manager in Sydney takes home approximately $94,220/yr, vs $105,718/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.