Software Developer Salary in Northwest Illinois
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Northwest Illinois ranks #352 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $3,813 below the national average.
Northwest Illinois vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $71,469 | $75,282 | $-3,813 | -5.1% |
| Level II | $90,626 | $96,293 | $-5,667 | -5.9% |
| Level III (Mid) | $109,803 | $117,303 | $-7,500 | -6.4% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $128,960 | $138,313 | $-9,353 | -6.8% |
Other metros in Illinois
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $85,467 | $153,317 | $130,936 |
| 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 |
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What is the average software developer salary in Northwest Illinois?
The average software developer salary in Northwest Illinois is $109,990 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Northwest Illinois at rank #352 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Northwest Illinois?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Northwest Illinois earn $71,469 per year. Level II (early career) earns $90,626, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Northwest Illinois compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Northwest Illinois ranks #352 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $3,813 below the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Northwest Illinois workers average $109,990 — a difference of -6% 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.