Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Miami, FL

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

Chicago, IL
$155,232
/ year
+15%
difference
Miami, FL
$135,206
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Miami
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$155,232✓ higher
$135,206
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,388✓ higher
$87,437
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$240,039✓ higher
$209,072
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,402✓ higher
$92,316
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$134,984✓ higher
$112,672
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×✓ lower
1.20×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,388✓ higher
$87,437
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$240,039✓ higher
$209,072

What if you move from Chicago to Miami?

Gross salary change
$20,026
15% decrease
Take-home change
$12,086
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$22,312
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
Miami, FL$135,206
P10: $87,437Median: $135,206P90: $209,072

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $155,232/yr compared to $135,206/yr in Miami, FL. Chicago pays 15% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Chicago or Miami 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 $112,672/yr for Miami. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $104,402/yr, vs $92,316/yr in Miami, FL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.