Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Boston, MA vs Melbourne

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

Boston, MA
$123,203
/ year
+33%
difference
Melbourne
$92,628
/ 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
$123,203✓ higher
$92,628
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$79,675✓ higher
$59,902
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$190,512✓ higher
$143,233
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$85,073✓ higher
$62,987
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$88,002✓ higher
$74,102
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$79,675
$91,051✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$190,512
$217,714✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$30,575
33% decrease
Take-home change
$22,086
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$13,900
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$123,203
P10: $79,675Median: $123,203P90: $190,512
Melbourne$92,628
P10: $91,051Median: $92,628P90: $217,714

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Systems Administrator earn more in Boston or Melbourne?

The median Systems Administrator salary in Boston, MA is $123,203/yr compared to A$140,795/yr in Melbourne. Boston pays 33% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator 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 $88,002/yr in a median-cost city, vs $74,102/yr for Melbourne. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Systems Administrator in Boston vs Melbourne?

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Boston, MA takes home approximately $85,073/yr, vs $62,987/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.