Job Salary Guide · 2026
Machine Learning Engineer Salary After Tax in Chicago
Based on BLS OEWS data · IL · Single filer
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Range
25th Percentile
$110,000
Take-home:
$80,326
$6,694/mo
Entry to mid-level
Median
$140,000
Take-home:
$99,513
$8,293/mo
Typical salary
75th Percentile
$180,000
Take-home:
$125,115
$10,426/mo
Senior / specialist
Tax Breakdown
At median salary of $140,000
Cost of Living in Chicago
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,600/mo
COL Index
1.38
Comfortable Rent Max
$2,073/mo
50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner
Based on your monthly take-home of $8,293 ($99,516/yr)
$4,147
per month
- ›Rent / mortgage
- ›Groceries
- ›Utilities
- ›Insurance
- ›Minimum debt payments
- ›Transportation
$2,488
per month
- ›Dining out
- ›Streaming services
- ›Gym
- ›Hobbies
- ›Travel
- ›Shopping
$1,659
per month
- ›Emergency fund
- ›401(k) / IRA
- ›Investments
- ›Down payment fund
- ›Debt payoff (extra)
Needs / year
$49,758
Wants / year
$29,855
Savings / year
$19,903
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chicago?
The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chicago (IL) is $140,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $110,000 and the 75th percentile is $180,000.
What is the take-home pay for a Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago?
At the median salary of $140,000, a Machine Learning Engineer in IL takes home approximately $99,513 per year ($8,293/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 28.92%.
Can a Machine Learning Engineer afford rent in Chicago?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago is $2,000/month. On the median Machine Learning Engineer salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 24.1%, which is "Comfortable". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25–30% of take-home pay ($2,073/month at this salary).
How does cost of living affect Machine Learning Engineer salaries in Chicago?
Chicago has a cost-of-living index of 1.38 (1.00 = national average). Chicago is 38% more expensive than the US average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the Machine Learning Engineer salary.