Salary Comparison

Site Reliability Engineer Salary:
Toronto vs Chicago, IL

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

Toronto
$161,650
/ year
-14%
difference
Chicago, IL
$188,707
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Toronto
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$161,650
$188,707✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$104,538
$122,036✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$249,963
$291,802✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$100,223
$126,142✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$129,320
$164,093✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$142,172✓ higher
$122,036
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$339,950✓ higher
$291,802

What if you move from Toronto to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$27,057
14% increase
Take-home change
+$25,919
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$34,773
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

Toronto$161,650
P10: $142,172Median: $161,650P90: $339,950
Chicago, IL$188,707
P10: $122,036Median: $188,707P90: $291,802

More Site Reliability Engineer salary comparisons

Toronto vs VancouverToronto vs MontrealToronto vs CalgaryToronto vs OttawaToronto vs EdmontonChicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhoenixAll Site Reliability Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Site Reliability Engineer earn more in Toronto or Chicago?

The median Site Reliability Engineer salary in Toronto is CA$219,844/yr compared to $188,707/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 14% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Site Reliability Engineer salary worth more in Toronto or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Toronto salary has the purchasing power of $129,320/yr in a median-cost city, vs $164,093/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Site Reliability Engineer in Toronto vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Site Reliability Engineer in Toronto takes home approximately $100,223/yr, vs $126,142/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.