Salary Comparison
Pump Operators: Manhattan vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Manhattan, KS
$55,822/yr
Chicago, IL
$83,770/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $940 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Manhattan
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$55,822
$83,770
$27,948
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,396
$5,096
$1,700
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
83
108
-25 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,150
$2,910
$760
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,237
$1,750
$513
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,246
$2,186
$940
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.58×
1.75×
-0.17×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
6/10 (Moderate)
7/10 (Moderate)
-1
A vs B
Manhattan — Full Details
Chicago — 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.