Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs Chicago, IL

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

Washington DC, DC
$194,616
/ year
+17%
difference
Chicago, IL
$166,371
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite Washington DC paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Washington DC
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$194,616✓ higher
$166,371
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$125,857✓ higher
$107,591
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$300,939✓ higher
$257,263
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$130,160✓ higher
$111,124
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$137,054
$144,670✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$125,857✓ higher
$107,591
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$300,939✓ higher
$257,263

What if you move from Washington DC to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$28,245
17% decrease
Take-home change
$19,036
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$7,616
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

Washington DC, DC$194,616
P10: $125,857Median: $194,616P90: $300,939
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 Washington DC or Chicago?

The median Data Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC is $194,616/yr compared to $166,371/yr in Chicago, IL. Washington DC pays 17% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Washington DC salary has the purchasing power of $137,054/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 Washington DC vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $130,160/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.