Bloomington vs Chicago: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,748▲ | $71,976 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.82▲ | $34.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,348▲ | $47,302 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,223▲ | $56,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,321▲ | $92,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,890▲ | $112,925 |
| Total Employed | 590 | 7,940▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, IL offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Chicago is $8,772 (12.19%). Bloomington's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $78,542,Chicago spans $65,623. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($86,327 effective) pays 24.25% 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 Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,890)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,327)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Bloomington grew -42.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -30.9% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$133,340 (2024) → $77,286 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$99,740 (2021) → $68,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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