Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$84,112 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$73,873 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $119,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300 | $91,630▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200 | $152,320▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000 | $190,400▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,112▲ | $73,457 | +$10,655 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,044 | $109,956▲ | -$30,912 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,873▲ | $67,874 | +$5,999 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $29,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($84,112 vs $73,457 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.