Take-Home Pay Calculator Sydney (2025–26)
Calculate your exact take-home pay for a Sydney salary — after income tax, Medicare levy, HECS/HELP and super. Sydney salaries typically run above the national average; this calculator pre-fills $120,000, the approximate median for full-time Sydney workers.
Your Sydney salary
Your take-home pay
What is average take-home pay in Sydney?
Sydney has the highest median full-time salary of any Australian capital city — approximately $90,000–$120,000 for full-time employees across all industries (ABS data). However, federal income tax rates are the same regardless of where you live in Australia. NSW does not levy a state income tax.
At a $120,000 salary, your annual take-home is $88,133 — about $7,344 per month or $1,695 per week — after income tax ($29,467) and Medicare levy ($2,400). Your employer contributes a further $14,400 in superannuation (12% SG), bringing your total employment package to approximately $134,400.
Sydney cost of living vs take-home pay
While Sydney salaries are higher than the national average, the city's housing costs significantly erode disposable income:
- Median Sydney rent (2-bed apartment): ~$3,200/month — roughly 44% of a $120k take-home
- Sydney median house price: ~$1.6 million (as at 2025), requiring significant income for mortgage servicing
- On a $120k salary, after rent (~$3,200) you have approximately $4,000–$4,500/month for all other costs
- HECS holders at $120k repay an additional $750/month, reducing disposable income further
Use the Mortgage Calculator to model repayments on a Sydney property alongside your take-home pay.
Income tax on Sydney salaries (2025–26)
Australian income tax is federal — there is no difference in tax rates between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or any other city. Common Sydney salary benchmarks and their after-tax take-home:
| Gross salary | Income tax | Medicare | Take-home / year | Take-home / month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 | $16,717 | $1,600 | $61,683 | $5,140 |
| $100,000 | $22,967 | $2,000 | $75,033 | $6,253 |
| $120,000 | $29,467 | $2,400 | $88,133 | $7,344 |
| $150,000 | $39,892 | $3,000 | $107,108 | $8,926 |
| $200,000 | $59,192 | $4,000 | $136,808 | $11,401 |
No HECS, no salary sacrifice, standard 2% Medicare levy, Australian resident.
Common Sydney industries and salary ranges
- Financial services & banking: $90,000 – $200,000+
- Technology & software engineering: $100,000 – $180,000
- Law (qualified solicitor): $85,000 – $200,000+
- Nursing (RN): $75,000 – $95,000
- Construction project management: $100,000 – $160,000
- Accounting (CPA / CA): $80,000 – $150,000
Medicare Levy Surcharge in Sydney
The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) applies to all Australians earning above $93,000 who don't hold private hospital cover — regardless of which state they live in. At $120,000, the MLS rate is 1.25%, adding $1,500 per year. Many Sydney-based employers include private health insurance as part of their salary package.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a NSW state income tax?
No. Australia only has federal income tax — there is no state-level income tax in NSW or any other Australian state. All residents pay the same federal income tax rates regardless of which state they live in.
What is a good salary to live comfortably in Sydney?
For a single person renting in Sydney, a take-home of $6,000–$7,000/month ($90k–$105k gross) is generally considered comfortable. Couples typically manage on lower individual incomes. Homeowners need considerably more income to service a Sydney mortgage.
How much do you take home on $150k in Sydney?
On $150,000 gross your take-home is $107,108 per year ($8,926/month, $2,059/week) — after income tax of $39,892 and Medicare levy of $3,000. See the full $150k breakdown.