Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how Data Engineers in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $118,000 | $89,600 | $153,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $146,600 | $111,400 | $190,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $168,600 | $128,100 | $219,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $202,300 | $153,700 | $263,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $229,200 | $174,200 | $298,100 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average Data Engineer salary in the Chicago metro is $168,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $128,100 to $219,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $278,200 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for Data Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for Data Engineers — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median Data Engineer salary of $168,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Engineers in Chicago start around $118,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $202,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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