Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$120,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$112,150 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$98,496 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $132,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,000 | $100,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,000 | $172,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $196,000 | $215,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,150▲ | $106,452 | +$5,698 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,391 | $121,968▲ | -$16,577 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $98,496▲ | $98,361 | +$135 |
| Total Employment | 11,000 | 12,000 | -1,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $12,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($112,150 vs $106,452 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Data Scientist City Comparisons
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.