Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

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

Seattle, WA
$191,352
/ year
+33%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$191,352✓ higher
$144,124
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$123,746✓ higher
$93,204
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$295,892✓ higher
$222,862
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$127,941✓ higher
$97,698
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$134,755✓ higher
$125,325
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$123,746✓ higher
$93,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$295,892✓ higher
$222,862

What if you move from Seattle to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$47,228
33% decrease
Take-home change
$30,243
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$9,430
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

Seattle, WA$191,352
P10: $123,746Median: $191,352P90: $295,892
Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

Seattle vs New YorkSeattle vs Los AngelesSeattle vs HoustonSeattle vs PhoenixSeattle vs PhiladelphiaSeattle vs San AntonioAll iOS Developer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median iOS Developer salary in Seattle, WA is $191,352/yr compared to $144,124/yr in Chicago, IL. Seattle pays 33% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in Seattle or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $134,755/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,325/yr for Chicago. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $127,941/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.