Data Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median data engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $140,000 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Illinois state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)
Chicago offers a median data engineer salary of $140,000, which is $15,000 above the Illinois state average of $125,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.
Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for data engineers in Chicago spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $212,800 at the 90th percentile — a $125,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,600, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $201,600. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Data Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level data engineer earns around $89,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $201,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $87,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,000 |
| Median (50th) | $140,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $212,800 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Chicago
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Browse open data engineer positions in Chicago, IL: