$141,371 / year
Salary Range: $130,676 - $150,559
Engineering Quality Assurance
$98,333 / year
Salary Range: $88,084 - $108,853
Project Management
$93,202 / year
Salary Range: $82,985 - $104,378
Meetings and Events
$79,909 / year
Salary Range: $72,090 - $88,433
Web Software Development
$77,930 / year
Salary Range: $67,924 - $88,554
Web Development
$58,701 / year
Salary Range: $52,143 - $66,509
Web Development
| 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. |
$95,048 / year
Salary Range: $83,113 - $108,745
Middletown, MD
$82,454 / year
Salary Range: $72,071 - $94,381
Montgomery, AL
$86,852 / year
Salary Range: $75,911 - $99,417
Venice, FL
$84,690 / year
Salary Range: $74,023 - $96,954
Gothenburg, NE
$85,112 / year
Salary Range: $74,390 - $97,429
Norfolk, VA
$87,095 / year
Salary Range: $76,121 - $99,697
Appleton, WI
$80,861 / year
Salary Range: $70,678 - $92,564
Smithfield, ME
$96,039 / year
Salary Range: $83,965 - $109,928
Taunton, MA
$79,964 / year
Salary Range: $69,909 - $91,515
Ocilla, GA
Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.
| 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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