Salary Comparison

iOS Developer 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
$153,954
/ year
+7%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
Bottom line: Austin 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
$153,954✓ higher
$144,124
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$99,561✓ higher
$93,204
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$238,063✓ higher
$222,862
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$103,631✓ higher
$97,698
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$137,459✓ higher
$125,325
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$99,561✓ higher
$93,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$238,063✓ higher
$222,862

What if you move from Austin to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$9,830
7% decrease
Take-home change
$5,933
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$12,134
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$153,954
P10: $99,561Median: $153,954P90: $238,063
Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in Austin or Chicago?

The median iOS Developer salary in Austin, TX is $153,954/yr compared to $144,124/yr in Chicago, IL. Austin pays 7% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer 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 $137,459/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,325/yr for Chicago. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in Austin vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Austin, TX takes home approximately $103,631/yr, vs $97,698/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.