Software Developer Salary in Illinois
Software Developers in Illinois earn an average of $141,964 per year across 1 metro area. This is +6.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$141,964
per year
Hourly Rate
$68.25
per hour
vs National
+6.7%
$133,080 national
Salary Range
$95,576
to $205,759
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$141,964
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$149,436
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Software Developer's salary of $141,964 has the purchasing power of $149,436 in an average-cost area.
Software Developer Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $141,964 | $68.25/hr | $95,576 | $205,759 | 2,182 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Software Developer Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 2,182 Software Developers employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Software Developer Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$95,576
Starting salary for new Software Developers
Median (50th Percentile)
$141,964
Mid-career Software Developer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$205,759
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Information Security Analyst
$128,005
avg in IL
-$13,959 vs Software Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
$110,072
avg in IL
-$31,892 vs Software Developer
Computer Programmer
$100,580
avg in IL
-$41,384 vs Software Developer
Network Administrator
$96,458
avg in IL
-$45,506 vs Software Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
$61,537
avg in IL
-$80,427 vs Software Developer
Software Developer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Software Developer salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Software Developer Data
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developer salary in Illinois?
The average Software Developer salary in Illinois is $141,964 per year ($68.25/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 6.7% above the national average of $133,080.
What is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Illinois, with a median salary of $141,964 per year.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in Illinois?
Software Developer salaries in Illinois range from $95,576 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $205,759 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $141,964 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.