Salary Comparison
Derrick Operators: Elgin vs Abilene
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$64,537/yr
Abilene, TX
$54,679/yr
Our recommendation: Elgin, IL
Elgin offers $120 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Abilene
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$64,537
$54,679
+$9,858
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,926
$3,326
+$600
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
72
+18 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$1,927
+$480
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$980
+$370
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,519
$1,399
+$120
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.63×
1.73×
-0.10×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
6/10 (Moderate)
+0
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Abilene — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.