Software Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Software Engineer salaries in Chicago range from $84,000 to $264,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $156,000, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$84,000 – $120,000
Median: $102,000 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$132,000 – $180,000
Median: $156,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$186,000 – $264,000
Median: $225,000 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Software Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
3 sources$159,000–$222,000/year
Median: $190,500 per year (adjusted for Chicago cost of living)
Junior
$102,000
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$156,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$225,000
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Chicago
Cost of Living Levelhigh
Population2.7M
Top IndustriesFinance & Trading, Technology, Manufacturing
vs National Average+20%
Top Employers in Chicago
BoeingUnited AirlinesAbbott LaboratoriesSalesforceMcDonald's Corporation
How Chicago Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $156,000 | high |
| New York, NY | $188,500 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $188,500 | very high |
| Houston, TX | $130,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $130,000 | moderate |
| Philadelphia, PA | $156,000 | high |