Salary Comparison

DevOps Engineer Salary:
London vs Chicago, IL

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

London
$143,147
/ year
-10%
difference
Chicago, IL
$158,634
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$143,147
$158,634✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$92,572
$102,588✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$221,352
$245,299✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$97,340
$106,455✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$95,431
$137,943✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$73,132
$102,588✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$174,868
$245,299✓ higher

What if you move from London to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$15,487
10% increase
Take-home change
+$9,115
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$42,512
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

London$143,147
P10: $73,132Median: $143,147P90: $174,868
Chicago, IL$158,634
P10: $102,588Median: $158,634P90: $245,299

More DevOps Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a DevOps Engineer earn more in London or Chicago?

The median DevOps Engineer salary in London is £113,086/yr compared to $158,634/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 10% more in gross terms.

▶Is a DevOps Engineer salary worth more in London or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $95,431/yr in a median-cost city, vs $137,943/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a DevOps Engineer in London vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a DevOps Engineer in London takes home approximately $97,340/yr, vs $106,455/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.