Web Developer salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$96,870/year
about $46.57 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $79,140 – $117,100
Half of web developers in the Chicago metro area earn more than $96,870 a year and half earn less. That's 5% higher than the national median of $92,650, and ranks #15 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $72,790 | $35.00 |
| 25th | $79,140 | $38.05 |
| Median (50th) | $96,870 | $46.57 |
| 75th | $117,100 | $56.30 |
| 90th (top earners) | $134,330 | $64.58 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a web developer job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $79,140 ($38.05/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $79,140 to $117,100 ($38.05 to $56.30/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $117,100 ($56.30/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Freelance and agency roles often pay per project, so convert any offer to an hourly or yearly figure before comparing.
- Front-end, back-end and full-stack roles can be paid quite differently. Check which one the duties really describe.
- A portfolio of live sites often matters more than a degree, and can justify a higher ask.
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: Web Developers (SOC 15-1254). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.