Salary Comparison

Security Engineer Salary:
Sydney vs Atlanta, GA

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

Sydney
$167,040
/ year
-2%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$169,692
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$167,040
$169,692✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$108,024
$109,739✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$258,298
$262,399✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$103,565
$113,212✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$123,733
$161,611✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$164,196✓ higher
$109,739
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$392,613✓ higher
$262,399

What if you move from Sydney to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
+$2,652
2% increase
Take-home change
+$9,647
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$37,878
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

Sydney$167,040
P10: $164,196Median: $167,040P90: $392,613
Atlanta, GA$169,692
P10: $109,739Median: $169,692P90: $262,399

More Security Engineer salary comparisons

Sydney vs MelbourneSydney vs BrisbaneSydney vs PerthSydney vs AdelaideAtlanta vs New YorkAtlanta vs Los AngelesAtlanta vs ChicagoAtlanta vs HoustonAll Security Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Security Engineer earn more in Sydney or Atlanta?

The median Security Engineer salary in Sydney is A$253,901/yr compared to $169,692/yr in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta pays 2% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Security Engineer salary worth more in Sydney or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $123,733/yr in a median-cost city, vs $161,611/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Security Engineer in Sydney vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Security Engineer in Sydney takes home approximately $103,565/yr, vs $113,212/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.