Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Amsterdam vs Chicago, IL

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

Amsterdam
$156,096
/ year
-6%
difference
Chicago, IL
$166,371
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Amsterdam
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$156,096
$166,371✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,947
$107,591✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$241,375
$257,263✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$96,780
$111,124✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$120,074
$144,670✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.30×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$92,871
$107,591✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$222,065
$257,263✓ higher

What if you move from Amsterdam to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$10,275
6% increase
Take-home change
+$14,344
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$24,596
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

Amsterdam$156,096
P10: $92,871Median: $156,096P90: $222,065
Chicago, IL$166,371
P10: $107,591Median: $166,371P90: $257,263

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in Amsterdam or Chicago?

The median Data Engineer salary in Amsterdam is €143,608/yr compared to $166,371/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 6% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Amsterdam or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Amsterdam salary has the purchasing power of $120,074/yr in a median-cost city, vs $144,670/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in Amsterdam vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Amsterdam takes home approximately $96,780/yr, vs $111,124/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.