Data Engineer Salary in Illinois
The median data engineer salary in Illinois is $125,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $125,000.
Data Engineer Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)
Illinois ranks #18 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for data engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $125,000 per year, data engineers in Illinois earn $0 more than the national median of $125,000.
Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning data engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.
The salary spread in Illinois is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $78,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $190,000 — a $112,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $141,250.
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Illinois and beyond.
Data Engineer Salary in Illinois by Experience
In Illinois, an entry-level data engineer earns around $80,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in Illinois
| Percentile | IL Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $78,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000 |
| Median (50th) | $125,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,000 |
Data Engineer Salary by City in Illinois
The largest employment areas for data engineers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Data Engineer in Illinois
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Illinois
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Data Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $55,000 over your career trajectory.
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