Software Developer Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Technology · COL Index: 107.3
$130,030
Median Salary
$130,930
Mean Salary
$121,184
COL-Adjusted
41,320
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $78,300 | $72,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,040 | $95,098 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $130,030 | $121,184 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,810 | $150,801 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $173,770 | $161,948 |
What Drives the Range
The $95,470 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Software Developer positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $130,030 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $121,184 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.