Data Analyst Pay

Chicago vs Oak Park: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Chicago, IL and Oak Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$71,976
$34.60/hr
Oak Park, IL
$66,590
$32.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILOak Park, IL
Median Salary$71,976$66,590
Hourly Rate$34.60$32.01
Entry Level (P10)$47,302$38,622
25th Percentile$56,570$49,345
75th Percentile$92,417$85,236
Top Earner (P90)$112,925$103,215
Total Employed7,94010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($71,976) and Oak Park ($66,590) data analyst salaries.ChicagoOak ParkMedian Salary$71,976$66,590Entry Level (P10)$47,302$38,622Top Earner (P90)$112,925$103,215US Median $80,394

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Park.

The salary gap between Chicago and Oak Park is $5,386 (8.09%). Chicago's median is -10.47% 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,Oak Park spans $64,593. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$47,302
P25$56,570
Median$71,976
P75$92,417
P90 (Top)$112,925
Oak Park
P10 (Entry)$38,622
P25$49,345
Median$66,590
P75$85,236
P90 (Top)$103,215

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($69,478 effective) pays 1.31% more than Oak Park ($68,579 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $71,976
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $69,478
Oak Park
Nominal: $66,590
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $68,579

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,976/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,925)
  • Larger job market (7,940 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,478)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Oak Park if…

  • 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 -42.5% growth in Oak Park over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+-30.9%

$99,740 (2021) → $68,890 (2025)

Oak Park, IL

+-42.5%

$110,853 (2024) → $63,735 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Chicago or Oak Park?

Chicago has a higher median data analyst salary at $71,976/year, compared to Oak Park at $66,590/year — a difference of $5,386 (8.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Oak Park?

Chicago data analysts earn $34.60/hr while Oak Park hygienists earn $32.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Oak Park as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Oak Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $69,478, Oak Park = $68,579), job availability (7,940 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Chicago vs Oak Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $47,302 in Chicago and $38,622 in Oak Park. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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