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AI Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a ai engineer make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$112,640
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$73,424
Starting salary
Senior Level
$151,856
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how ai engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$73,424$112,640$151,856
Monthly$6,119$9,387$12,655
Biweekly$2,824$4,332$5,841
Weekly$1,412$2,166$2,920
Hourly$35$54$73

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's ai engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$112,640
COL Index: 112
National Average
$80,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,080
Higher in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About AI Engineer

Overview

Develop and deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, or Machine Learning

Key Skills

TensorFlowPyTorchNeural NetworksDeep LearningPython

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +35% over the next decade

Compare Cities: AI Engineer Salary

See AI Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$130,710
+16%
Los Angeles, CA
$124,270
+10%
Houston, TX
$100,420
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,230
-3%
Philadelphia, PA
$107,030
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a ai engineer salary in Chicago.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Chicago.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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AI Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a ai engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,640 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level ai engineer professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $73,424 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level ai engineers earning approximately $151,856 per year. This represents a 107% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $80,560, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a ai engineer's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 18.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

AI Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 35% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.