Software Developer salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$134,380/year
about $64.61 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $104,530 – $167,650
Half of software developers in the Chicago metro area earn more than $134,380 a year and half earn less. That's 1% lower than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $83,820 | $40.30 |
| 25th | $104,530 | $50.25 |
| Median (50th) | $134,380 | $64.61 |
| 75th | $167,650 | $80.60 |
| 90th (top earners) | $203,410 | $97.79 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $104,530 ($50.25/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $104,530 to $167,650 ($50.25 to $80.60/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $167,650 ($80.60/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.