Data Jobs in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the largest and most diverse job markets in the U.S., offering abundant opportunities for data professionals across finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and SaaS companies. Whether you're a seasoned data engineer or just starting out as an analyst, Chicago provides a thriving ecosystem for data careers.

Why Chicago is a Prime City for Data Careers

Chicago’s blend of established corporations, tech startups, and academic institutions creates fertile ground for data innovation. The city is home to global financial firms, Fortune 500 manufacturers, and leading hospitals — all investing heavily in data science, analytics, and engineering talent.

With a lower cost of living than coastal tech hubs, a growing number of hybrid roles, and a strong professional community, Chicago is an excellent place to build or grow a career in data.

Popular Data Roles in the Chicago Market

• Data Analyst – analyzing KPIs, generating reports, and supporting business decisions
• Data Scientist – creating predictive models and working with large-scale machine learning tools
• Data Engineer – developing scalable pipelines and maintaining data architecture
• BI Developer – building dashboards and insights using Power BI, Tableau, or Looker

Top Companies Hiring for Data Jobs in Chicago

These companies frequently hire data professionals in Chicago:

• United Airlines – data-driven optimization in logistics, pricing, and operations
• Morningstar – financial data analytics and research platforms
• Allstate – insurance-focused machine learning, fraud detection, and risk modeling
• AbbVie – leveraging data in drug research, clinical trials, and medical analytics
• Discover Financial Services – growing teams in data governance, AI, and digital fraud prevention

Chicago Data Job Salary Insights

Data roles in Chicago offer strong compensation and advancement potential. Typical salary ranges include:

• Data Analysts: $72,000–$90,000 annually
• Data Scientists: $100,000–$135,000 depending on experience and industry
• Data Engineers: $105,000–$145,000+

Use our Salary Calculator to estimate your potential based on your background and skill set.

Hybrid and Remote Data Roles in Chicago

More Chicago employers now offer hybrid flexibility, especially in roles tied to cloud platforms, infrastructure, and advanced analytics. Financial institutions and consulting firms often require some in-office presence, but tech and healthcare companies are increasingly remote-first.

Trends Driving Chicago’s Data Job Market

• High demand for professionals with Python, SQL, dbt, and Snowflake experience
• Increased adoption of data lakes and warehouse automation in enterprise settings
• Rising need for data privacy and compliance specialists in finance and health sectors
• Growth in AI integration across logistics, fraud detection, and personalized marketing

Strong communication skills, paired with technical expertise, can give candidates a clear edge in Chicago’s hiring landscape.

Optimize Your Resume for Chicago-Based Jobs

Use our Resume Analyzer to compare your resume against top job descriptions in Chicago and get tailored suggestions to improve your chances of landing interviews.

Find Your Next Data Job in Chicago

Explore open listings below or subscribe to receive personalized job alerts. From startups in the Loop to global firms in the suburbs, Chicago offers a wealth of data career paths.