Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Melbourne

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

Boston, MA
$221,765
/ year
+34%
difference
Melbourne
$166,029
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$221,765✓ higher
$166,029
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$143,414✓ higher
$107,370
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$342,920✓ higher
$256,734
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$148,622✓ higher
$102,938
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$158,404✓ higher
$132,823
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$143,414
$163,202✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$342,920
$390,236✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$55,736
34% decrease
Take-home change
$45,684
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$25,581
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

Boston, MA$221,765
P10: $143,414Median: $221,765P90: $342,920
Melbourne$166,029
P10: $163,202Median: $166,029P90: $390,236

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs PhiladelphiaMelbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll Security Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in Boston or Melbourne?

The median Security Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $221,765/yr compared to A$252,364/yr in Melbourne. Boston pays 34% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Melbourne after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $158,404/yr in a median-cost city, vs $132,823/yr for Melbourne. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in Boston vs Melbourne?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $148,622/yr, vs $102,938/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.