Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

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

Denver, CO
$163,258
/ year
-2%
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
Denver
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$163,258
$166,371✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$105,578
$107,591✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$252,450
$257,263✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$109,246
$111,124✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$143,209
$144,670✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.14×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$105,578
$107,591✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$252,450
$257,263✓ higher

What if you move from Denver to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$3,113
2% increase
Take-home change
+$1,878
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,461
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

Denver, CO$163,258
P10: $105,578Median: $163,258P90: $252,450
Chicago, IL$166,371
P10: $107,591Median: $166,371P90: $257,263

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

Denver vs New YorkDenver vs Los AngelesDenver vs HoustonDenver vs PhoenixDenver vs PhiladelphiaDenver vs San AntonioAll Data Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Engineer salary in Denver, CO is $163,258/yr compared to $166,371/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 2% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Denver salary has the purchasing power of $143,209/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 Denver vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Denver, CO takes home approximately $109,246/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.