Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Melbourne vs Brisbane

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

Melbourne
$92,628
/ year
+7%
difference
Brisbane
$86,671
/ 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
$92,628✓ higher
$86,671
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$59,902✓ higher
$56,050
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$143,233✓ higher
$134,021
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$62,987✓ higher
$58,936
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$74,102
$77,385✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$91,051✓ higher
$85,196
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$217,714✓ higher
$203,712

What if you move from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Gross salary change
$5,957
7% decrease
Take-home change
$4,051
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,283
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$92,628
P10: $91,051Median: $92,628P90: $217,714
Brisbane$86,671
P10: $85,196Median: $86,671P90: $203,712

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Systems Administrator salary in Melbourne is A$140,795/yr compared to A$131,740/yr in Brisbane. Melbourne pays 7% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator 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 $74,102/yr in a median-cost city, vs $77,385/yr for Brisbane. Brisbane offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Melbourne takes home approximately $62,987/yr, vs $58,936/yr in Brisbane. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.