What is the median salary for Software Developers in Chicago, Illinois?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Chicago metropolitan area is $130,030.

Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Software Developers?

The Chicago metro median is +1.8% versus the Illinois state median of $127,770.

How does Chicago compare to the national median for Software Developers?

The Chicago metro median is -6.1% versus the BLS national figure of $138,520.

What is the salary range for Software Developers in Chicago?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,300 and the 90th-percentile at $173,770 for the Chicago metro area.

What education is required for Software Developers?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Software Developers Salary in Chicago, Illinois

Median annual$130,030

Mean annual$130,930

Range (10th to 90th)$78,300 to $173,770

Chicago, Illinois employment41,320

State vs national-6.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago software developers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $102,040 and $161,810, with a median of $130,030.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Skill data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation. We refresh this section when O*NET publishes a new release.

Common tasks (O*NET)

Task data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Software Developers in Chicago, Illinois?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Chicago metropolitan area is $130,030.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Software Developers?: The Chicago metro median is +1.8% versus the Illinois state median of $127,770.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Software Developers?: The Chicago metro median is -6.1% versus the BLS national figure of $138,520.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in Chicago?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,300 and the 90th-percentile at $173,770 for the Chicago metro area.
What education is required for Software Developers?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.