Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$119,626 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$105,064 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000 | $170,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,000 | $130,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,000 | $218,000▲ | -$53,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $205,000 | $270,000▲ | -$65,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $119,626▲ | $104,938 | +$14,688 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $112,418 | $157,080▲ | -$44,662 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $105,064▲ | $96,963 | +$8,101 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 58,000 | -23,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($119,626 vs $104,938 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Software Developer 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.