Tech Salaries in Chicago, United States (2026)
Chicago, United States2 tracked rolesUpdated 2026
Market Salary Range (USD)
$84,189 - $205,970
Average median across tracked roles: $125,134
Loading...
We currently track 2 salary pages for Chicago, United States. Across those roles, the average median salary is $125,134 with a tracked range spanning from $84,189 to $205,970.
The highest median salary in this market belongs to Backend Engineer, currently listed at $142,594. Use the location-specific page for that role to inspect its range and the broader role hub to see how the same job pays across other markets.
At the lower end of the current set, Software Engineer has a median near $107,673. That spread is why this page works best as a market directory: you can compare roles in one location first, then dive into the detailed role pages that match your path.
The tracked cost-of-living index for this market is 76/100. That does not replace a full take-home-pay analysis, but it helps explain why the highest nominal salary is not always the strongest purchasing-power option.
Compare the role pages we track in this market, then jump to the location-specific or global role view.
| Role | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Backend EngineerAll Backend Engineer salaries | $125,000 - $190,000 | $142,594 |
| Software EngineerAll Software Engineer salaries | $79,654 - $207,744 | $107,673 |
USD comparisons use approximate exchange rates and are shown for cross-market context.
Backend Engineer currently has the highest median salary in this tracked set for Chicago, United States, at $142,594. Use the role row above to compare it with the rest of the market and then jump to the full role hub for a cross-location view.
Across the role pages we currently track for Chicago, United States, salaries span from $84,189 to $205,970 in USD terms. That range reflects different functions, employer types, and seniority mixes inside the same market.
Yes. The location page helps you compare different jobs in one market, while each role hub shows how the same job pays across multiple locations. Using both gives you a stronger benchmark for negotiations and relocation decisions.
Yes. This market currently carries a normalized cost-of-living index of 76/100 in our data, which is a useful reminder that headline salary alone does not capture purchasing power.
Paste a job posting and see how your background matches the role, where your skill gaps sit, and which salary benchmark to bring into the conversation.