Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$120,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$112,150 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$98,496 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $162,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,000 | $123,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,000 | $210,000▲ | -$54,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $196,000 | $262,000▲ | -$66,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,150▲ | $100,000 | +$12,150 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,391 | $149,688▲ | -$44,297 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $98,496▲ | $92,400 | +$6,096 |
| Total Employment | 11,000 | 16,000 | -5,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($112,150 vs $100,000 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.