Salary Comparison

Enterprise Architect Salary:
Austin, TX vs Chicago, IL

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

Austin, TX
$205,278
/ year
-5%
difference
Chicago, IL
$214,996
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Austin
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$205,278
$214,996✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$132,752
$139,037✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$317,426
$332,453✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$137,411
$144,019✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$183,284
$186,953✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$132,752
$139,037✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$317,426
$332,453✓ higher

What if you move from Austin to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$9,718
5% increase
Take-home change
+$6,608
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,669
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

Austin, TX$205,278
P10: $132,752Median: $205,278P90: $317,426
Chicago, IL$214,996
P10: $139,037Median: $214,996P90: $332,453

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Enterprise Architect earn more in Austin or Chicago?

The median Enterprise Architect salary in Austin, TX is $205,278/yr compared to $214,996/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 5% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Enterprise Architect salary worth more in Austin or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Austin salary has the purchasing power of $183,284/yr in a median-cost city, vs $186,953/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Enterprise Architect in Austin vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Enterprise Architect in Austin, TX takes home approximately $137,411/yr, vs $144,019/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.