Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA

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

Chicago, IL
$155,232
/ year
+10%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$141,734
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta offers better purchasing power despite Chicago paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$155,232✓ higher
$141,734
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,388✓ higher
$91,659
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$240,039✓ higher
$219,167
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,402✓ higher
$96,256
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$134,984
$134,985✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,388✓ higher
$91,659
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$240,039✓ higher
$219,167

What if you move from Chicago to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$13,498
10% decrease
Take-home change
$8,146
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1
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$155,232
P10: $100,388Median: $155,232P90: $240,039
Atlanta, GA$141,734
P10: $91,659Median: $141,734P90: $219,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $155,232/yr compared to $141,734/yr in Atlanta, GA. Chicago pays 10% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $134,984/yr in a median-cost city, vs $134,985/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $104,402/yr, vs $96,256/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.