Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

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

Los Angeles, CA
$154,948
/ year
0%
difference
Chicago, IL
$155,232
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$154,948
$155,232✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,204
$100,388✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$239,600
$240,039✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,231
$104,402✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,281
$134,984✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,204
$100,388✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$239,600
$240,039✓ higher

What if you move from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$284
0% increase
Take-home change
+$171
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$22,703
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

Los Angeles, CA$154,948
P10: $100,204Median: $154,948P90: $239,600
Chicago, IL$155,232
P10: $100,388Median: $155,232P90: $240,039

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San AntonioLos Angeles vs San DiegoAll Data Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in Los Angeles or Chicago?

The median Data Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $154,948/yr compared to $155,232/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 0% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $112,281/yr in a median-cost city, vs $134,984/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $104,231/yr, vs $104,402/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.