Salary Comparison

Computer Vision Engineer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

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

Chicago, IL
$186,555
/ year
+19%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$157,098
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics โ€” higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? โ†’
Metric
Chicago
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$186,555โœ“ higher
$157,098
Entry Level
0โ€“2 years experience
$120,644โœ“ higher
$101,595
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$288,474โœ“ higher
$242,924
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$124,679โœ“ higher
$105,528
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$162,222โœ“ higher
$161,957
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15ร—
0.97ร—โœ“ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$120,644โœ“ higher
$101,595
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$288,474โœ“ higher
$242,924

What if you move from Chicago to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$29,457
19% decrease
Take-home change
$19,151
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$265
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 1.00ร—). Full methodology โ†’

Salary Range Comparison

Chicago, IL$186,555
P10: $120,644Median: $186,555P90: $288,474
Phoenix, AZ$157,098
P10: $101,595Median: $157,098P90: $242,924

Frequently Asked Questions

โ–ถDoes a Computer Vision Engineer earn more in Chicago or Phoenix?

The median Computer Vision Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $186,555/yr compared to $157,098/yr in Phoenix, AZ. Chicago pays 19% more in gross terms.

โ–ถIs a Computer Vision Engineer salary worth more in Chicago or Phoenix after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $162,222/yr in a median-cost city, vs $161,957/yr for Phoenix. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

โ–ถWhat is the take-home pay for a Computer Vision Engineer in Chicago vs Phoenix?

After estimated taxes, a Computer Vision Engineer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $124,679/yr, vs $105,528/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.