Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Melbourne vs Brisbane

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

Melbourne
$166,029
/ year
+8%
difference
Brisbane
$154,385
/ year
Bottom line: Brisbane offers better purchasing power despite Melbourne paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Melbourne
Brisbane
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$166,029✓ higher
$154,385
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$107,370✓ higher
$99,840
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$256,734✓ higher
$238,729
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$102,938✓ higher
$95,719
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$132,823
$137,844✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$163,202✓ higher
$151,757
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$390,236✓ higher
$362,868

What if you move from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Gross salary change
$11,644
8% decrease
Take-home change
$7,219
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$5,021
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
Brisbane$154,385
P10: $151,757Median: $154,385P90: $362,868

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Security Engineer salary in Melbourne is A$252,364/yr compared to A$234,665/yr in Brisbane. Melbourne pays 8% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Melbourne or Brisbane 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 $137,844/yr for Brisbane. Brisbane offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Melbourne takes home approximately $102,938/yr, vs $95,719/yr in Brisbane. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.