Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Melbourne vs Adelaide

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

Melbourne
$166,029
/ year
+22%
difference
Adelaide
$136,557
/ year
Bottom line: Adelaide offers better purchasing power despite Melbourne paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Melbourne
Adelaide
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$166,029✓ higher
$136,557
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$107,370✓ higher
$88,311
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$256,734✓ higher
$211,161
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$102,938✓ higher
$92,859
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$132,823
$136,557✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.00×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$163,202✓ higher
$134,233
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$390,236✓ higher
$320,965

What if you move from Melbourne to Adelaide?

Gross salary change
$29,472
22% decrease
Take-home change
$10,079
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,734
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

Melbourne$166,029
P10: $163,202Median: $166,029P90: $390,236
Adelaide$136,557
P10: $134,233Median: $136,557P90: $320,965

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Security Engineer salary in Melbourne is A$252,364/yr compared to A$207,567/yr in Adelaide. Melbourne pays 22% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Melbourne salary has the purchasing power of $132,823/yr in a median-cost city, vs $136,557/yr for Adelaide. Adelaide offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Melbourne takes home approximately $102,938/yr, vs $92,859/yr in Adelaide. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.