💻 Software Developer Salary
Software Developer Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$127,960
in Chicago · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$121,053
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#90
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Chicago
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Chicago, IL is $127,960 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $10,663/month or $62/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($134,550), Chicago pays 5% less than the typical city.
Chicago has a cost of living index of 105.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $127,960 in Chicago is equivalent to $121,053 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Chicago metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder, CO | $182,650 |
| 2 | Oakland, CA | $181,220 |
| 3 | Berkeley, CA | $181,220 |
| 4 | San Francisco, CA | $181,220 |
| 5 | Seattle, WA | $164,130 |
| 6 | Bell, CA | $164,130 |
| 7 | Bellevue, WA | $164,130 |
| 8 | Bellevue, NE | $164,130 |
| 9 | Tacoma, WA | $164,130 |
| 10 | Carlsbad, CA | $152,270 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Chicago
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $90,810 |
| 📚Elementary School Teacher | $73,830 |
| ⚡Electrician | $91,560 |
| 📊Accountant | $89,490 |
Full cost of living profile for Chicago
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Chicago?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Chicago, IL is $127,960 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Chicago Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Chicago Software Developer pay ($127,960) is 5% below the median across surveyed cities ($134,550).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 105.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $127,960 salary in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $121,053 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology