Salary Comparison

Information Security Analyst Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

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

Chicago, IL
$132,783
/ year
+17%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$113,466
/ year
Bottom line: Phoenix offers better purchasing power despite Chicago paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$132,783✓ higher
$113,466
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$85,870✓ higher
$73,378
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$205,325✓ higher
$175,455
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$90,854✓ higher
$79,196
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$115,463
$116,975✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×
0.97×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$85,870✓ higher
$73,378
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$205,325✓ higher
$175,455

What if you move from Chicago to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$19,317
17% decrease
Take-home change
$11,658
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,512
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

Chicago, IL$132,783
P10: $85,870Median: $132,783P90: $205,325
Phoenix, AZ$113,466
P10: $73,378Median: $113,466P90: $175,455

More Information Security Analyst salary comparisons

Chicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhiladelphiaChicago vs San AntonioChicago vs San DiegoAll Information Security Analyst salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Information Security Analyst earn more in Chicago or Phoenix?

The median Information Security Analyst salary in Chicago, IL is $132,783/yr compared to $113,466/yr in Phoenix, AZ. Chicago pays 17% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Information Security Analyst salary worth more in Chicago or Phoenix after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $115,463/yr in a median-cost city, vs $116,975/yr for Phoenix. Phoenix offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Information Security Analyst in Chicago vs Phoenix?

After estimated taxes, a Information Security Analyst in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $90,854/yr, vs $79,196/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.