Software Engineer Salary in Chicago (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does software engineer in Chicago make?
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In 2026, Software Engineers in Chicago can expect salaries ranging from $79,654 to $207,744, with a median of $107,673. This reflects the city's growing tech industry and demand for skilled professionals.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Software Engineers in Chicago is $107,673.
- Top-paying skills include Kubernetes and JavaScript, with salaries up to $200,000.
- Chicago's cost of living index is 107, making it more affordable than other major tech hubs.
- Top companies hiring in Chicago include Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
- Entry-level Software Engineers can expect to earn around $104,421 annually.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry Level (0-2 years): Approximately $104,421 per year.
- Mid Level (2-4 years): Around $104,717 annually.
- Senior Level (5-8 years): About $108,582 per year.
- Expert Level (8+ years): Up to $114,032 annually.
How Chicago Compares
While Chicago's median salary for Software Engineers is $107,673, cities like San Francisco and New York offer higher averages, but with significantly higher costs of living. Chicago's cost of living index is 107, making it more affordable compared to San Francisco's 180 and New York's 187.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in technologies such as Kubernetes ($200,000), JavaScript ($175,000), and Node.js ($175,000) can significantly boost earning potential in Chicago's tech market.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in Chicago, including Google and Facebook, offer competitive salaries along with benefits like flexible schedules, remote work options, and comprehensive health plans, contributing to a positive work-life balance.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in Chicago's tech industry, focus on developing high-demand skills like Kubernetes and JavaScript. Additionally, consider opportunities at top-paying companies and stay informed about industry trends to negotiate competitive salaries.
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Software Engineer Insights — Chicago
Software Engineer salaries in Chicago range from $79,654 to $207,744, a 119% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $107,673 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 71/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $107,673 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in Chicago is anchored by employers like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, 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 software engineer in Chicago centers around expertise in Kubernetes, JavaScript, Node.js, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $207,744 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Front-End Developer or Back-End Developer.
Related Roles in Chicago
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backend Engineer | Chicago | $125,000 - $190,000 | $142,594 |
| Software Engineer | Denver | $90,000 - $210,000 | $126,421 |
| Software Engineer | Los Angeles | $85,382 - $222,681 | $147,722 |
| Software Engineer | Boston | $85,967 - $224,209 | $116,207 |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Software Engineer |
Software Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Chicago?
The average salary for a Software Engineer in Chicago is approximately $107,673 per year.
Which skills can increase a Software Engineer's salary in Chicago?
Skills such as Kubernetes, JavaScript, and Node.js are highly valued and can significantly increase a Software Engineer's salary in Chicago.
How does Chicago's cost of living compare to other tech hubs?
Chicago's cost of living index is 107, which is lower than San Francisco's 180 and New York's 187, making it a more affordable option for tech professionals.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software 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)