Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how Data Scientists 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) | $122,900 | $93,400 | $159,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $152,800 | $116,100 | $198,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $175,700 | $133,500 | $228,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $210,800 | $160,200 | $274,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $238,900 | $181,500 | $310,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Scientists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average Data Scientist salary in the Chicago metro is $175,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $133,500 to $228,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $289,900 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for Data Scientists. 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 Scientists — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median Data Scientist salary of $175,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Scientists in Chicago start around $122,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $210,800 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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