Salary Comparison

Computer Vision Engineer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

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

San Francisco, CA
$242,369
/ year
+39%
difference
Chicago, IL
$174,064
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$242,369✓ higher
$174,064
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$156,739✓ higher
$112,566
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$374,781✓ higher
$269,159
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$162,299✓ higher
$116,185
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$144,267
$151,360✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$156,739✓ higher
$112,566
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$374,781✓ higher
$269,159

What if you move from San Francisco to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$68,305
39% decrease
Take-home change
$46,114
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$7,093
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

San Francisco, CA$242,369
P10: $156,739Median: $242,369P90: $374,781
Chicago, IL$174,064
P10: $112,566Median: $174,064P90: $269,159

More Computer Vision Engineer salary comparisons

San Francisco vs New YorkSan Francisco vs Los AngelesSan Francisco vs HoustonSan Francisco vs PhoenixSan Francisco vs PhiladelphiaSan Francisco vs San AntonioAll Computer Vision Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Computer Vision Engineer earn more in San Francisco or Chicago?

The median Computer Vision Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $242,369/yr compared to $174,064/yr in Chicago, IL. San Francisco pays 39% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Computer Vision Engineer salary worth more in San Francisco or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $144,267/yr in a median-cost city, vs $151,360/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Computer Vision Engineer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $162,299/yr, vs $116,185/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.