Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Chicago, IL and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$105,000 vs $127,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$98,131 vs $78,395
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$86,185 vs $68,815
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $127,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850 | $97,790▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400 | $162,560▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000 | $203,200▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95%▲ | 5% | -0.04999999999999982% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $98,131▲ | $78,395 | +$19,736 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $92,218 | $111,481▲ | -$19,263 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $86,185▲ | $68,815 | +$17,370 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 33,600 | -5,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $22,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $127,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($98,131 vs $78,395 equivalent). Chicago, IL has the lower state tax rate (4.95% vs 5%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.