Chicago vs Naperville: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,976 | $72,727▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.60 | $34.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,302▲ | $42,182 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,570▲ | $52,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,417 | $93,092▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,925▲ | $112,728 |
| Total Employed | 7,940▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Chicago and Naperville are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $751 (1.04%). Naperville's median is -9.54% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $65,623,Naperville spans $70,546. Naperville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($74,899 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($69,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,925)
- ✓Larger job market (7,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,727/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,899)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Chicago grew -30.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.9% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$99,740 (2021) → $68,890 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$113,959 (2024) → $69,609 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov