Backend Engineer Salary in Chicago (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does backend engineer in Chicago make?
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In Chicago, Backend Engineers can expect to earn between $125,000 and $190,000 annually, with a median salary of $142,594. This compensation reflects the city's competitive tech market and cost of living.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Backend Engineers in Chicago is $142,594.
- Entry-level positions start at $75,000 annually.
- Proficiency in Node.js can lead to salaries up to $175,000.
- Chicago's cost of living index is 113.4, higher than the national average.
- The city offers a vibrant tech community with ample growth opportunities.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry Level (0-2 years): $75,000 - $110,000
- Mid Level (3-5 years): $110,000 - $150,000
- Senior (6-10 years): $150,000 - $200,000
How Chicago Compares
Chicago's cost of living index is 113.4, indicating it's 13.4% higher than the national average. For comparison:
- New York (Manhattan): 227.8
- Los Angeles: 147.3
- Dallas: 102.2
This suggests that while Chicago is more affordable than cities like New York and Los Angeles, it remains pricier than Dallas.
Skills That Command Premium
Backend Engineers proficient in the following technologies tend to earn higher salaries:
- Node.js: $175,000
- TypeScript: $172,500
- JavaScript: $150,000
- PostgreSQL: $135,000
- Python: $115,000
Work Culture & Benefits
Chicago's tech industry offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth. Companies often provide benefits such as flexible work schedules, remote work options, and comprehensive health insurance packages.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, Backend Engineers should focus on mastering in-demand technologies like Node.js and TypeScript. Additionally, staying updated with industry trends and networking within Chicago's tech community can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
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Backend Engineer Insights — Chicago
Backend Engineer salaries in Chicago range from $125,000 to $190,000, a 46% spread indicating moderate variation depending on seniority and employer. The median of $142,594 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Chicago's cost of living index of 76/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $142,594 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for backend engineer in Chicago is anchored by employers like Company A, Company B, and Company C, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for backend engineer in Chicago centers around expertise in Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $190,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Full-Stack Engineer or Frontend Engineer.
Related Roles in Chicago
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Chicago | $79,654 - $207,744 | $107,673 |
| Backend Engineer | Seattle | $168,000 - $274,000 | $213,000 |
| Backend Engineer | San Francisco | $123,985 - $291,411 | $190,081 |
| Backend Engineer | New York | $96,000 - $243,000 | $176,104 |
| Backend Engineer | Remote | $75,000 - $250,000 | $125,000 |
| Backend Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Backend Engineer in Chicago?
The average salary for a Backend Engineer in Chicago is approximately $142,594 per year.
How does Chicago's cost of living affect Backend Engineer salaries?
With a cost of living index of 113.4, Chicago's higher living expenses are reflected in the competitive salaries offered to Backend Engineers.
Which skills can increase a Backend Engineer's salary in Chicago?
Proficiency in technologies like Node.js, TypeScript, and JavaScript can significantly boost a Backend Engineer's earning potential in Chicago.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for backend engineer in Chicago is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)