Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Atlanta, GA vs Chicago, IL

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

Atlanta, GA
$107,312
/ year
-12%
difference
Chicago, IL
$122,206
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Atlanta
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$107,312
$122,206✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$69,398
$79,030✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$165,939
$188,970✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$75,482
$84,471✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$102,202
$106,266✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.05×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$69,398
$79,030✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$165,939
$188,970✓ higher

What if you move from Atlanta to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$14,894
12% increase
Take-home change
+$8,989
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,064
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

Atlanta, GA$107,312
P10: $69,398Median: $107,312P90: $165,939
Chicago, IL$122,206
P10: $79,030Median: $122,206P90: $188,970

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

Atlanta vs New YorkAtlanta vs Los AngelesAtlanta vs HoustonAtlanta vs PhoenixAtlanta vs PhiladelphiaAtlanta vs San AntonioAll Network Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Atlanta or Chicago?

The median Network Engineer salary in Atlanta, GA is $107,312/yr compared to $122,206/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 12% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Atlanta or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Atlanta salary has the purchasing power of $102,202/yr in a median-cost city, vs $106,266/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Network Engineer in Atlanta vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Atlanta, GA takes home approximately $75,482/yr, vs $84,471/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.