Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Melbourne

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

San Francisco, CA
$264,828
/ year
+60%
difference
Melbourne
$166,029
/ year
Bottom line: San Francisco wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$264,828✓ higher
$166,029
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$171,263✓ higher
$107,370
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$409,510✓ higher
$256,734
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$176,897✓ higher
$102,938
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$157,636✓ higher
$132,823
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$171,263✓ higher
$163,202
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$409,510✓ higher
$390,236

What if you move from San Francisco to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$98,799
60% decrease
Take-home change
$73,959
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$24,813
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

San Francisco, CA$264,828
P10: $171,263Median: $264,828P90: $409,510
Melbourne$166,029
P10: $163,202Median: $166,029P90: $390,236

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

San Francisco vs New YorkSan Francisco vs Los AngelesSan Francisco vs ChicagoSan Francisco vs HoustonSan Francisco vs PhoenixSan Francisco vs PhiladelphiaMelbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll Security Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in San Francisco or Melbourne?

The median Security Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $264,828/yr compared to A$252,364/yr in Melbourne. San Francisco pays 60% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $157,636/yr in a median-cost city, vs $132,823/yr for Melbourne. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $176,897/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.