What Is a Good Salary in Chicago in 2026?
A good salary in Chicago in 2026 is around $90,000 gross per year — roughly $69,741 after tax ($5,812/month). That puts you comfortably above the city's median salary of about $68,000 and covers typical living costs of roughly $3,245/month with room to save.
Chicago offers big-city salaries at mid-tier costs: Illinois's flat 4.95% income tax is simple, and rents run roughly 35% below New York for comparable apartments. It is one of the few US cities where a median salary funds a downtown lifestyle.
Salary levels in Chicago (2026)
Gross benchmarks from national statistics and salary surveys; net figures calculated with 2026 USA tax brackets and social contributions.
What a good salary actually buys in Chicago
Typical monthly costs for a single professional in Chicago — city-centre one-bedroom rent, groceries, eating out, transport, and utilities — add up to roughly $3,245. On the comfortable benchmark of $90,000 gross, your net month of $5,812 leaves about $2,567 for savings, travel, and everything else. On the median salary of $68,000, the margin narrows to $1,283 per month.
Finance (CME, Citadel orbit), consulting, and corporate HQ roles commonly pay $130,000–$250,000+.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Chicago →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Chicago in 2026?
A good salary in Chicago in 2026 is around $90,000 gross per year — roughly $69,741 after tax ($5,812/month). That puts you comfortably above the city's median salary of about $68,000 and covers typical living costs of roughly $3,245/month with room to save.
What is the median salary in Chicago?
The median gross salary in Chicago is approximately $68,000 per year in 2026, which works out to about $54,339 after income tax and social security ($4,528/month net).
Is $105,000 a good salary in Chicago?
Yes — $105,000 places you in the top 25% of earners in Chicago. After tax it leaves approximately $79,967 per year ($6,664/month), an effective tax rate of 23.8%.