Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Berlin vs Austin, TX

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

Berlin
$147,316
/ year
-14%
difference
Austin, TX
$172,030
/ year
Bottom line: Austin wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Berlin
Austin
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$147,316
$172,030✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$95,269
$111,251✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$227,798
$266,014✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$100,175
$114,802✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$133,924
$153,598✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.10×✓ lower
1.12×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$87,647
$111,251✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$209,574
$266,014✓ higher

What if you move from Berlin to Austin?

Gross salary change
+$24,714
14% increase
Take-home change
+$14,627
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$19,674
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

Berlin$147,316
P10: $87,647Median: $147,316P90: $209,574
Austin, TX$172,030
P10: $111,251Median: $172,030P90: $266,014

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in Berlin or Austin?

The median Security Engineer salary in Berlin is €135,531/yr compared to $172,030/yr in Austin, TX. Austin pays 14% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Berlin or Austin after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Berlin salary has the purchasing power of $133,924/yr in a median-cost city, vs $153,598/yr for Austin. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in Berlin vs Austin?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Berlin takes home approximately $100,175/yr, vs $114,802/yr in Austin, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.