Software Developer Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #88 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $10,185 above the national average.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $85,467 | $75,282 | +$10,185 | +13.5% |
| Level II | $108,077 | $96,293 | +$11,784 | +12.2% |
| Level III (Mid) | $130,707 | $117,303 | +$13,404 | +11.4% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $153,317 | $138,313 | +$15,004 | +10.8% |
Other metros in Illinois
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Illinois | $76,398 | $144,539 | $122,054 |
| Bloomington | $90,293 | $136,531 | $121,285 |
| St. Louis | $76,045 | $140,046 | $118,914 |
| Kankakee | $74,464 | $137,426 | $116,646 |
| Decatur | $71,240 | $136,594 | $115,024 |
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What is the average software developer salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
The average software developer salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $130,936 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Chicago-Naperville-Elgin at rank #88 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin earn $85,467 per year. Level II (early career) earns $108,077, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #88 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $10,185 above the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Chicago-Naperville-Elgin workers average $130,936 — a difference of +11% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1252.