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Software engineer salary in Chicago, IL (Updated 2026)

How much does a Software Engineer make in Chicago, IL?

Average base salary

$124,367
8%
below national average
Average $124,367
Low $81,848
High $188,974

The average salary for a software engineer is $124,367 per year in Chicago, IL and $5,000 cash bonus per year.792 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 10, 2026).

Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL

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Software Engineer
Caterpillar3.8out of 5 stars.
Chicago, IL
$97,530 - $158,480 a year
Full-time
22 hours ago

Highest paying companies for Software Engineer in Chicago, IL

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Maven
 
$250,000per year
View company
GQR
 
$225,000per year
View company
Newmark
 
$225,000per year
View company
Handshake
 
$223,600per year
View company
CAI (Computer Aid, Inc.)
 
$213,200per year
View company
CIRCLE
 
$211,250per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Software Engineers near Chicago, IL

  1. Rolling Meadows, IL
    $257,714 per year
  2. Skokie, IL
    $128,635 per year
  3. Chicago, IL
    $124,367 per year
  4. Lisle, IL
    $120,936 per year
  5. Mossville, IL
    $108,702 per year

Where can a Software Engineer earn more?

Compare salaries for Software Engineers in different locations
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How much do similar professions as Software Engineer get paid in Chicago, IL?

Entry Level Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $76,906 per year

Junior Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $99,243 per year

Principal Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $174,726 per year

Senior Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $147,398 per year

Software Engineer Intern

Job openings
Average $32.30 per hour

Staff Software Engineer

Job openings
Average $180,855 per year