Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
London vs Chicago, IL

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

London
$106,220
/ year
-7%
difference
Chicago, IL
$114,024
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$106,220
$114,024✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$68,692
$73,739✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$164,250
$176,318✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$72,230
$79,533✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$70,813
$99,151✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$54,267
$73,739✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$129,758
$176,318✓ higher

What if you move from London to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$7,804
7% increase
Take-home change
+$7,303
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$28,338
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

London$106,220
P10: $54,267Median: $106,220P90: $129,758
Chicago, IL$114,024
P10: $73,739Median: $114,024P90: $176,318

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Network Engineer salary in London is £83,914/yr compared to $114,024/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 7% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $70,813/yr in a median-cost city, vs $99,151/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in London takes home approximately $72,230/yr, vs $79,533/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.