Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Sydney vs Melbourne

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

Sydney
$96,232
/ year
+4%
difference
Melbourne
$92,628
/ year
Bottom line: Melbourne offers better purchasing power despite Sydney paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Sydney
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$96,232✓ higher
$92,628
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$62,233✓ higher
$59,902
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$148,806✓ higher
$143,233
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$65,438✓ higher
$62,987
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$71,283
$74,102✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.35×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$94,594✓ higher
$91,051
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$226,185✓ higher
$217,714

What if you move from Sydney to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$3,604
4% decrease
Take-home change
$2,451
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,819
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$96,232
P10: $94,594Median: $96,232P90: $226,185
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 Sydney or Melbourne?

The median Systems Administrator salary in Sydney is A$146,273/yr compared to A$140,795/yr in Melbourne. Sydney pays 4% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in Sydney or Melbourne after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Sydney salary has the purchasing power of $71,283/yr in a median-cost city, vs $74,102/yr for Melbourne. Melbourne offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Sydney takes home approximately $65,438/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.