Salary Comparison

Data Scientist 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
$140,804
/ year
-3%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,487
/ 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
$140,804
$144,487✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$91,057
$93,439✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$217,728
$223,424✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$95,695
$97,917✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$123,512
$125,641✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.14×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$91,057
$93,439✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$217,728
$223,424✓ higher

What if you move from Denver to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$3,683
3% increase
Take-home change
+$2,222
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,129
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$140,804
P10: $91,057Median: $140,804P90: $217,728
Chicago, IL$144,487
P10: $93,439Median: $144,487P90: $223,424

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Scientist salary in Denver, CO is $140,804/yr compared to $144,487/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 3% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist 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 $123,512/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,641/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Denver, CO takes home approximately $95,695/yr, vs $97,917/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.