The Difference Engine Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at The Difference Engine in the United States is $92,749. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at The Difference Engine typically range from $81,097 to $106,124 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does The Difference Engine Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at The Difference Engine. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Technical Project Manager, with an annual salary of $141,371. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at The Difference Engine

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at The Difference Engine. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is The Difference Engine’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The Difference Engine's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Student Government Association $95,048
+2.5%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Alabama $82,454
-11.1%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Island Village Montessori School $86,852
-6.4%
Island Village Montessori School operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Independence Rising $84,690
-8.7%
Independence Rising may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+24.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at The Difference Engine

Considering a career at The Difference Engine? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
It's rewarding to be part of an organization that makes such a significant impact on so many students' lives. The organization adapts quickly to changing needs and technology. Requests are fulfilled eventually. The organization supports continuing education and promotes internal mobility.
The retirement plan provides true security. Engaging projects that encourage innovation within a structured framework. Overall, it’s a stable and rewarding place to build a meaningful career that positively impacts communities. Processes are rigid, and there's little space for experimentation. Everyone's unique contribution is acknowledged as important to the overall mission, fostering better team...
Despite its large size, inter-departmental cooperation is common, especially on large-scale projects affecting the public or students. Coworkers collaborate effectively, and the organization provides excellent opportunities for advancement. The workplace is calm, with few surprises. It’s a quiet, uneventful place to work that won’t surprise you—positively or negatively. Truly a pleasure to engage ...

The Difference Engine Overview

Website
www.thedifferenceengine.io
Founded In
2017
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
222 Merchandise Mart Plz Chicago Illinois IL 60654
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 7739778144
Social Media
About The Difference Engine
The Difference Engine is a non-profit that bridges the gap between education and the real-world workplace. TDEs apprenticeship program empowers adults from underrepresented groups and non-traditional backgrounds with real-world technology experiences that develop their skills in professionalism, Agile workflows, and collaboration ...unlike school or Bootcamp programs, upon TDE program completion,

What Benefits Does The Difference Engine Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. The Difference Engine offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The Difference Engine.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from The Difference Engine, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of The Difference Engine salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of The Difference Engine

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at The Difference Engine?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at The Difference Engine, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $92,749 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does The Difference Engine pay compared to Student Government Association?

The average annual salary at The Difference Engine is $92,749, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Student Government Association which pays $95,048 per year or $46 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at The Difference Engine?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at The Difference Engine due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at The Difference Engine?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at The Difference Engine can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from The Difference Engine in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from The Difference Engine in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at The Difference Engine and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at The Difference Engine usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at The Difference Engine are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.