Software Developer Salary in Illinois
Based on 56K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$132,110
$63.51/hr
vs National Average
$127,401
+3.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $195K
56K employed in Illinois
The median software developer salary in Illinois is $130,707 per year, reflecting stable compensation for skilled professionals in the state's tech sector. With approximately 777 software developers employed across Illinois, the state maintains a competitive market for this in-demand role. Salaries in the state align closely with national averages, positioning Illinois as a standard market for developer compensation.
Several factors influence software developer salary in Illinois, including years of experience, technical expertise, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state, particularly proximity to major tech hubs, can also impact earning potential. Company size and sector—whether startups, established corporations, or government agencies—play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages and growth opportunities for developers.
Salary Distribution — Software Developer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,980 |
| 25th percentile | $101,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $132,110 |
| 75th percentile | $166,420 |
| 90th percentile | $194,740 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Developer in Illinois
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Illinois — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capital One Services, LLC | 97 | $148,971 |
| 2 | Medline Industries, LP. | 87 | $139,259 |
| 3 | DFS Corporate Services LLC | 65 | $108,012 |
| 4 | Capgemini America Inc | 43 | $131,000 |
| 5 | Deloitte Consulting LLP | 41 | $153,317 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Developer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Illinois
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Illinois.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $85,467 | 195 |
| Level II | Qualified | $108,080 | 776 |
| Level III | Experienced | $135,000 | 490 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $159,569 | 452 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Developer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Developers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Developers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $166,400 | 347K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $147,010 | 18K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $139,270 | 810 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $136,610 | 3K |
| Manufacturing | $136,330 | 136K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Developer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,470 |
| 2023 | $126,200 |
| 2024 | $127,770 |
| 2025 | $132,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,597 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,470 | $111,597 |
| 2023 | $126,200 | $118,750 |
| 2024 | $127,770 | $121,352 |
| 2025 | $132,110 | $127,401 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,597 | $131,728 |
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $132,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $194,740 |
Software Developer Salary in Other States
Related Software Developer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Software Developer ($132,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Developer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IL | $171,730 | +30.0% | $82.56/hr |
| Database Administrator in IL | $142,500 | +7.9% | $68.51/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in IL | $136,540 | +3.4% | $65.64/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IL | $133,220 | +0.8% | $64.05/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IL | $132,790 | +0.5% | $63.84/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IL | $124,180 | -6.0% | $59.70/hr |
| Statistician in IL | $119,760 | -9.3% | $57.58/hr |
| Data Scientist in IL | $106,560 | -19.3% | $51.23/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IL | $101,570 | -23.1% | $48.83/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | -24.2% | $48.12/hr |
| Software Engineer in IL | $99,360 | -24.8% | $47.77/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in IL | $89,800 | -32.0% | $43.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make in Illinois?
- Software developers in Illinois earn a median salary of $130,707 per year, which translates to approximately $63 per hour. This salary matches the national average exactly, with no premium or discount compared to other states.
What is the salary range for software developers in Illinois?
- The salary range for software developers in Illinois extends up to $139,106 per year at the high end. This means experienced developers in the state can expect to earn substantially above the median of $130,707.
Is software developer a good paying job in Illinois?
- Yes, software developer is a well-paying job in Illinois with a median salary of $130,707 annually, which aligns with the national average. With salaries reaching up to $139,106, it remains one of the higher-paying technical positions in the state.
How many software developers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 777 software developers employed in Illinois according to current employment data. This represents a solid job market for developers looking to work in the state.