Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Denver, CO vs Chicago, IL

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

Denver, CO
$119,009
/ year
-3%
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
Denver
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$119,009
$122,206✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$76,963
$79,030✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$184,026
$188,970✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$82,541
$84,471✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$104,394
$106,266✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.14×✓ lower
1.15×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$76,963
$79,030✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$184,026
$188,970✓ higher

What if you move from Denver to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$3,197
3% increase
Take-home change
+$1,930
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,872
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

Denver, CO$119,009
P10: $76,963Median: $119,009P90: $184,026
Chicago, IL$122,206
P10: $79,030Median: $122,206P90: $188,970

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Network Engineer salary in Denver, CO is $119,009/yr compared to $122,206/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 3% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Denver salary has the purchasing power of $104,394/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 Denver vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Denver, CO takes home approximately $82,541/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.