Salary Comparison

Data Scientist 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
$134,813
/ year
+16%
difference
Miami, FL
$116,046
/ 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
$134,813✓ higher
$116,046
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$87,183✓ higher
$75,046
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$208,464✓ higher
$179,445
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$92,079✓ higher
$80,753
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$117,229✓ higher
$96,705
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×✓ lower
1.20×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$87,183✓ higher
$75,046
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$208,464✓ higher
$179,445

What if you move from Chicago to Miami?

Gross salary change
$18,767
16% decrease
Take-home change
$11,326
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$20,524
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$134,813
P10: $87,183Median: $134,813P90: $208,464
Miami, FL$116,046
P10: $75,046Median: $116,046P90: $179,445

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL is $134,813/yr compared to $116,046/yr in Miami, FL. Chicago pays 16% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist 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 $117,229/yr in a median-cost city, vs $96,705/yr for Miami. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $92,079/yr, vs $80,753/yr in Miami, FL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.