Data · United States
Data Scientist Salary in Chicago, IL$109,620–$142,380 in 2026
Data scientists in Chicago, IL earn between $109,620 and $142,380 at the mid-level — but the actual value of those offers varies enormously depending on what "data science" means at the company. In some organisations it's statistical modelling and experimentation that directly drives product decisions. In others, it's dashboard maintenance. The salary band is the same; the work couldn't be more different.
Data Scientist Salary in Chicago — 2026 Overview
Entry Level
$95,760
0–2 years
Mid-Level
$126,000
3–5 years
Senior
$163,800
6–10 years
| Experience | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $84,269 | $95,760 | $107,251 |
| 3–5 years | $109,620 | $126,000 | $142,380 |
| 6–10 years | $142,506 | $163,800 | $185,094 |
| 11+ years | $178,794 | $207,900 | $237,006 |
Data reflects base salary for Data Scientists in Chicago, IL, 2026. Figures exclude bonus, equity, and benefits. Sources: market surveys, job postings, and aggregated offer data.
Why Data Scientist Salaries Are This Level in Chicago
Chicago's tech market sits between the salary extremes of the coasts and the Midwest. A strong fintech and enterprise SaaS presence keeps demand (and pay) solid. The city punches above its reputation in tech.
Chicago is significantly cheaper than coastal cities — a quality one-bedroom in Lincoln Park or the West Loop runs $1,600–$2,400/month. The lower cost of living means your take-home goes further, even accounting for Illinois income tax.
Top Chicago employers hiring Data Scientists
Data Scientist Job Market in Chicago: Demand & Hiring Outlook
Demand for Data Scientists in Chicago has grown sharply as companies invest in data infrastructure, ML pipelines, and analytics capabilities. Chicago in particular has a high concentration of data-heavy industries — finance, tech, and healthcare — that drive sustained demand and above-average compensation. Data Scientists with experience shipping models or analyses that directly influence product or revenue decisions are especially sought after.
What Data Scientists in Chicago Actually Negotiate For
Base salary is only the starting point. The most experienced negotiators in Chicago push for the full package — and the employers who want you badly enough will move on more than just base.
- Equity
- Research time allocation
- Compute budget
- Conference access
- Publication rights
Many Data Scientists leave $15,120–$31,500 on the table annually by not negotiating these elements. A signing bonus alone can be worth one to two months' salary — and it doesn't affect your base going forward.
Skills That Command the Highest Data Scientist Salaries in Chicago
Not all Data Scientists in Chicago earn the same — and the gap between the lower and upper end of the salary range comes down to specific technical and leadership competencies. These are the skills that consistently push offers toward $142,380 and above.
Is your Data Scientist offer in Chicago fair?
You now have the market range: $109,620–$142,380. The next step is knowing exactly where your specific offer sits — and getting the word-for-word script to negotiate it. SalaryAsk benchmarks your offer against live market data, builds your personalised strategy, and lets you practice the conversation with a virtual hiring manager.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL is $126,000 for someone with 3–5 years of experience. Across all experience levels, the range runs from $84,269 for entry-level through to $237,006 for highly experienced or specialised professionals.
Is $109,620–$142,380 a good Data Scientist salary in Chicago?
Yes — for a mid-level Data Scientist in Chicago, IL, $109,620–$142,380 represents the market rate in 2026. If your offer falls significantly below $109,620, it's worth negotiating or understanding why the company is below the market benchmark. Offers above $142,380 typically reflect either a scarce specialisation, a particularly well-funded company, or both.
How much does a Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data Science earn in Chicago?
Senior Data Scientists and people moving into Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data Science roles typically earn $142,506–$237,006 in Chicago, IL. At the most senior levels, total compensation (including equity and bonuses) often substantially exceeds the base salary shown here.
How do I negotiate a Data Scientist salary in Chicago?
The first step is anchoring to market data — you now know the range is $109,620–$142,380. The second is understanding your specific leverage: your experience, the company's urgency to hire, and what competing offers or alternatives you have. SalaryAsk walks you through all of this, generates a personalised negotiation strategy, and gives you the exact language to use in the conversation.
How does Data Scientist pay compare to Software Engineer pay in Chicago, IL?
In Chicago, IL, Data Scientists typically earn slightly less than software engineers at the same experience level. The mid-level range of $109,620–$142,380 reflects the value companies place on data-driven decision making. Engineers who can bridge data science and production engineering command premiums above the standard range.
What tools and skills push Data Scientist salaries toward the top of the Chicago range?
In Chicago, IL, Data Scientists who command $142,380 and above typically have deep expertise in at least two of: Python, R, SQL. Beyond technical skills, the ability to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders and to tie analysis directly to business outcomes — revenue, cost, risk — consistently separates the top earners from the mid-range.