Data Scientist Salary in Chicago 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Chicago: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, Chicago’s data scientist market reflects strong demand for analytics and machine learning talent across the financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors. The $119,790 annual mean salary positions Chicago competitively within the Midwest, though it trails coastal tech hubs like San Francisco and New York.

Key Salary Metrics (2024 BLS Data):

• Annual Mean Salary: $119,790
• Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
• SOC Code: 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations)

The salary reflects the critical role data scientists play in Chicago’s robust financial sector (home to major trading firms, insurance companies, and fintech startups), as well as growing demand in healthcare analytics, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies.

Experience and Education Impact

Data scientist compensation in Chicago typically increases with experience and advanced credentials. Entry-level positions (0-2 years) generally start 15-25% below the mean, while senior data scientists and machine learning engineers with 7+ years of experience command 30-50% premiums. Advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or PhD) are common among higher earners.

The Chicago market values:

• Advanced degrees: MS in Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science
• Certifications: Cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), machine learning frameworks
• Domain expertise: Financial modeling, healthcare informatics, supply chain optimization
• Programming proficiency: Python, R, SQL, Scala, and distributed computing (Spark, Hadoop)

Cost of Living Context

Chicago offers a more affordable cost-of-living profile compared to major tech hubs, which enhances the real purchasing power of a $119,790 salary. The city’s lower housing costs, reasonable transportation expenses, and diverse neighborhood options make data scientist salaries stretch further than equivalent positions in San Francisco or New York.

Housing & Rent Considerations:

• Chicago’s rental market varies significantly by neighborhood
• Downtown and near-North Side locations command premium rents
• Suburban areas (Naperville, Evanston, Schaumburg) offer more affordable options while remaining close to major employers

The $119,790 annual salary translates to approximately $9,982 gross monthly income, providing solid financial flexibility for housing, transportation, and quality of life in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

Notable Chicago Metro Area Cities

The Chicago metropolitan area includes several significant employment hubs for data scientists:

• Naperville: Major corporate headquarters, including Fermilab research opportunities
• Evanston: Northwestern University research partnerships, tech startups
• Schaumburg: Corporate campus concentration, technology and finance sectors
• Aurora: Growing tech and logistics hub
• Joliet: Emerging data center and manufacturing analytics opportunities

Salaries may vary slightly across these locations based on local cost of living and employer concentration, though the $119,790 mean provides a reliable benchmark for the broader Chicago MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area 16980).

Job Outlook and Growth

The data science field continues expanding rapidly. Key drivers of demand in Chicago include:

• Financial services modernization: Chicago’s trading and banking sectors investing heavily in machine learning and predictive analytics
• Healthcare analytics: Major medical centers and health systems expanding data science teams
• Manufacturing and logistics: Industry 4.0 adoption across the Midwest’s industrial base
• E-commerce and retail: Chicago-based companies scaling data operations

Data science roles consistently rank among the fastest-growing occupations, with strong salary growth projections through the 2030s. The combination of technical skill scarcity and broad industry demand supports continued wage growth in Chicago.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Chicago?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Chicago typically start between $85,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on education level and specific skills. Recent graduates with a Master’s degree in Data Science or related field can expect positions at the higher end of this range, while those transitioning from adjacent fields (software engineering, analytics) may start slightly lower but often advance quickly with demonstrated performance.

How does data scientist salary in Chicago compare to other major U.S. cities?

Chicago’s $119,790 mean salary is competitive regionally but trails major tech hubs. San Francisco and New York data scientists typically earn 25-40% more, reflecting higher costs of living and intense competition for talent. However, Chicago offers better cost-of-living adjusted real purchasing power than coastal cities, making the actual standard of living comparable or superior for many professionals. Other Midwest cities like Minneapolis or Indianapolis typically pay 5-15% less than Chicago.

Is it worth relocating to Chicago for a data scientist position?

For many professionals, Chicago presents an attractive relocation opportunity. The city offers competitive salaries ($119,790 mean), significantly lower housing costs than coastal tech hubs, a robust job market across financial services and healthcare, excellent universities (Northwestern, University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology) for continuous learning, and strong quality of life. The trade-off is slightly lower absolute salaries compared to San Francisco or New York, but the real purchasing power and work-life balance often favor Chicago. Consider your current location’s cost of living and career stage when evaluating relocation.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Chicago?

Data scientists in Chicago with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud), big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), and domain-specific knowledge (financial modeling, healthcare analytics, supply chain optimization) typically earn at the top of the range. Advanced degrees (PhD, Master’s in specialized fields) and proven track records of delivering high-impact projects also correlate with premium compensation.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Chicago?

Annual salary increases for data scientists in Chicago typically range from 3-8% for strong performers, with larger jumps (15-30%) possible when changing employers or transitioning to senior/leadership roles. Market demand for data science talent supports relatively strong wage growth compared to many other professions. Professionals with in-demand skills or those moving from junior to mid-level positions can expect faster salary progression.

What benefits and compensation packages complement base salary for Chicago data scientists?

Beyond the $119,790 mean base salary, Chicago data scientists commonly receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching (typically 3-6%), performance bonuses (10-25% of base), stock options (at tech companies), professional development budgets, remote work flexibility, and generous paid time off. Top employers in the financial and tech sectors often offer additional perks like wellness programs and relocation assistance.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Occupational code 15-2051. This article provides informational salary data based on public sources; actual compensation varies by employer, experience, skills, and negotiation.

Last updated: April 10, 2026