Computer Programmer Salary in Illinois
Based on 1K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$72,540
$34.88/hr
vs National Average
$96,002
-24.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $142K
1K employed in Illinois
The median Computer Programmer salary in Illinois is $72,540 per year, which translates to approximately $35 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, with Illinois programmers earning 24.4% less. This data provides a baseline understanding of compensation for this role within the state, with 1,280 individuals currently employed in this field.
Several factors can influence a Computer Programmer salary in Illinois. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically falling closer to the lower end of the $50,640 range, while senior developers can command salaries exceeding $142,410. Location within Illinois, specific programming languages and technologies mastered, and the size and type of employer also contribute to pay variations.
Salary Distribution — Computer Programmer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,640 |
| 25th percentile | $50,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,540 |
| 75th percentile | $110,980 |
| 90th percentile | $142,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Programmer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Programmers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Programmers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $129,150 | 450 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 170 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $111,290 | 860 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $108,410 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $107,950 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Programmer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,716 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,540 | $96,002 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,716 | $98,882 |
Computer Programmer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $110,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $142,410 |
Computer Programmer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Programmer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Computer Programmer ($72,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Programmer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IL | $171,730 | +136.7% | $82.56/hr |
| Database Administrator in IL | $142,500 | +96.4% | $68.51/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in IL | $136,540 | +88.2% | $65.64/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IL | $133,220 | +83.7% | $64.05/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IL | $132,790 | +83.1% | $63.84/hr |
| Software Developer in IL | $132,110 | +82.1% | $63.51/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IL | $124,180 | +71.2% | $59.70/hr |
| Statistician in IL | $119,760 | +65.1% | $57.58/hr |
| Data Scientist in IL | $106,560 | +46.9% | $51.23/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IL | $101,570 | +40.0% | $48.83/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | +38.0% | $48.12/hr |
| Software Engineer in IL | $99,360 | +37.0% | $47.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Computer Programmer in Illinois?
- In Illinois, Computer Programmers can expect a salary range between $50,640 and $142,410 annually. The median salary is $72,540 per year, offering a central point within this spectrum.
How does the average Computer Programmer salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- The average Computer Programmer salary in Illinois is 24.4% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, programmers in Illinois earn significantly less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly rate for a Computer Programmer in Illinois?
- Based on the median annual salary of $72,540, a Computer Programmer in Illinois can expect to earn approximately $35 per hour. This hourly rate is a useful benchmark for understanding compensation on a more frequent basis.
How many Computer Programmers are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 1,280 Computer Programmers currently employed in Illinois. This number provides an indication of the size of the job market for this profession within the state.