Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Toronto vs Calgary

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

Toronto
$87,028
/ year
+6%
difference
Calgary
$81,906
/ year
Bottom line: Calgary offers better purchasing power despite Toronto paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Toronto
Calgary
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$87,028✓ higher
$81,906
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$56,281✓ higher
$52,968
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$134,573✓ higher
$126,653
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$59,179✓ higher
$55,696
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$69,622
$74,460✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.10×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$76,542✓ higher
$72,036
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$183,019✓ higher
$172,248

What if you move from Toronto to Calgary?

Gross salary change
$5,122
6% decrease
Take-home change
$3,483
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,838
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

Toronto$87,028
P10: $76,542Median: $87,028P90: $183,019
Calgary$81,906
P10: $72,036Median: $81,906P90: $172,248

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Systems Administrator earn more in Toronto or Calgary?

The median Systems Administrator salary in Toronto is CA$118,358/yr compared to CA$111,392/yr in Calgary. Toronto pays 6% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in Toronto or Calgary after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Toronto salary has the purchasing power of $69,622/yr in a median-cost city, vs $74,460/yr for Calgary. Calgary offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Systems Administrator in Toronto vs Calgary?

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Toronto takes home approximately $59,179/yr, vs $55,696/yr in Calgary. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.