Salary Comparison

Backend Developer Salary:
Toronto vs Chicago, IL

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

Toronto
$92,759
/ year
-37%
difference
Chicago, IL
$148,251
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Toronto
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$92,759
$148,251✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$61,545
$95,873✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$139,804
$229,244✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$63,076
$100,189✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$74,207
$128,914✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$83,701
$95,873✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$190,133
$229,244✓ higher

What if you move from Toronto to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$55,492
37% increase
Take-home change
+$37,113
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$54,707
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$92,759
P10: $83,701Median: $92,759P90: $190,133
Chicago, IL$148,251
P10: $95,873Median: $148,251P90: $229,244

More Backend Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Backend Developer earn more in Toronto or Chicago?

The median Backend Developer salary in Toronto is CA$126,152/yr compared to $148,251/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 37% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Backend Developer salary worth more in Toronto or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Toronto salary has the purchasing power of $74,207/yr in a median-cost city, vs $128,914/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Backend Developer in Toronto vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Backend Developer in Toronto takes home approximately $63,076/yr, vs $100,189/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.