Chicago, Illinois Compensation Guide

Data Scientist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

Comprehensive 2026 compensation analysis for Data Scientists in Chicago. Explore local wage distributions, net take-home pay, state tax implications, and rental affordability.

Chicago Median Pay
$154,500
$12,875/month gross
vs. National Benchmark
+12%
National avg: $138,000
Net Monthly Take-Home
$9,791
After federal & state taxes
Rent-to-Income Ratio
19%
1-bed rent: $1,850/mo
State Income Tax: 4.95% estimated state & local tax burden
Explore all Chicago salaries

Data Scientist Salary Percentiles in Chicago

Data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS and adjusted for Chicago, Illinois metro market factors.

10th Percentile
$95,000
Entry level
25th Percentile
$123,000
Early career
50th (Median)
$154,500
Metro benchmark
75th Percentile
$196,000
Senior level
90th Percentile
$244,000
Staff / Lead

Estimated Paycheck & Tax Withholdings

Annual Gross Salary:$154,500
Estimated Federal Income Tax:-$29,355
Estimated State/Local Tax (4.95%):-$7,648
Annual Net Take-Home:$117,497
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Net Monthly Paycheck:$9,791
Median 1-Bed Rent:-$1,850
Discretionary Income:~$7,941/mo

Compare Data Scientist in Chicago vs. Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist in Chicago

What is the average Data Scientist salary in Chicago?

The median base salary for a Data Scientist in Chicago, Illinois is $154,500 per year ($12,875/month). Entry-level roles start around $95,000, while senior and staff-level professionals earn up to $244,000.

How does Chicago Data Scientist pay compare to the national average?

Data Scientist salaries in Chicago are 12% above the U.S. national benchmark of $138,000.

What is the estimated monthly take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Chicago?

At the median salary of $154,500, the estimated monthly net take-home pay in Chicago is approximately $9,791 after deducting estimated federal taxes ($2,446/mo) and state/local taxes ($637/mo).

Is Chicago affordable for a Data Scientist?

With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,850/month, housing consumes approximately 19% of a Data Scientist's estimated net take-home pay, which is well within the recommended 30% financial guideline.

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