Salary Comparison

AI Engineer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs San Antonio, TX

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

Chicago, IL
$207,823
/ year
+32%
difference
San Antonio, TX
$156,957
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
San Antonio
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$207,823✓ higher
$156,957
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$134,398✓ higher
$101,503
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$321,362✓ higher
$242,706
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$139,141✓ higher
$105,443
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$180,716✓ higher
$178,360
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×
0.88×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$134,398✓ higher
$101,503
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$321,362✓ higher
$242,706

What if you move from Chicago to San Antonio?

Gross salary change
$50,866
32% decrease
Take-home change
$33,698
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,356
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

Chicago, IL$207,823
P10: $134,398Median: $207,823P90: $321,362
San Antonio, TX$156,957
P10: $101,503Median: $156,957P90: $242,706

More AI Engineer salary comparisons

Chicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhoenixChicago vs PhiladelphiaChicago vs San DiegoAll AI Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a AI Engineer earn more in Chicago or San Antonio?

The median AI Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $207,823/yr compared to $156,957/yr in San Antonio, TX. Chicago pays 32% more in gross terms.

▶Is a AI Engineer salary worth more in Chicago or San Antonio after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $180,716/yr in a median-cost city, vs $178,360/yr for San Antonio. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a AI Engineer in Chicago vs San Antonio?

After estimated taxes, a AI Engineer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $139,141/yr, vs $105,443/yr in San Antonio, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.