Data Engineer Salary in Illinois (2026)
Illinois · 5.0% above national average · Very High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $138,768 | +12.0% | Very High |
| Aurora | $126,378 | +2.0% | Very High |
Illinois is home to a strong job market for Data Engineers. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $123,900 per year, Illinois's Data Engineer salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $79,275–$102,375, while experienced Data Engineers can command $154,350–$173,880.
Looking ahead, the Data Engineer profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 7.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
-
What is the average Data Engineer salary in Illinois?The average Data Engineer salary in Illinois is $123,900 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $118,000.
-
What city in Illinois pays Data Engineers the most?Major metro areas typically pay Data Engineers the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
-
Is Illinois a good state for Data Engineers?Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Data Engineer employment.
-
How does Illinois Data Engineer salary compare to the US average?At $123,900/year, Illinois Data Engineer salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $118,000/year.