What is the average Software Developer I salary for Chicago, IL?
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As of May 01, 2026, the average Software Developer I salary in Chicago, IL is $137,543. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Software Developer I job titles in Chicago, IL. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Software Developer I job titles in Chicago, IL. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Software Developer I Salaries in Chicago, IL
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Software Engineer I | $89,960 | $43.25 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Web Software Developer I | $84,244 | $40.50 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer I | $87,597 | $42.11 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer III | $136,676 | $65.71 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer II | $109,843 | $52.81 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Web Software Developer II | $103,404 | $49.71 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer IV | $157,283 | $75.62 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer V | $178,578 | $85.85 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Backend Developer I | $90,856 | $43.68 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer III | $141,014 | $67.80 | Chicago, IL | May 01, 2026 |
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Designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Software Engineer I Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Entry Software Engineer, Software Developer I, Software Engineer I
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Designs and develops web-accessible software solutions that engage users and meet business requirements. Collaborates with web administrators and designers through the full development lifecycle and contributes to the development of new features. Develops, implements, and debugs software code. Designs and develops the web infrastructure including back-end database development and the construction of SQL queries via CGI scripting. Requires knowledge of web technologies and tools such as CSS, JavaScript, HTML, PERL, PHP, Active Server Pages, SQL, and C++. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Web Software Developer I Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Entry Web Software Programmer, Web Software Developer -Entry, Web Software Developer I
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Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Software Systems Developer I Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Entry Software Systems Developer, Software Operating Systems Development - Entry, Systems Applications Developer I, Software Systems Developer I
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Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Software Systems Developer III Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Senior Software Systems Developer, Software Operating Systems Development Senior, Systems Applications Developer III, Software Systems Developer III
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Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Software Systems Developer II Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Software Systems Developer, Software Operating Systems Development Intermediate, Systems Applications Developer II, Software Systems Developer II
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Designs and develops web-accessible software solutions that engage users and meet business requirements. Collaborates with web administrators and designers through the full development lifecycle and contributes to the development of new features. Develops, implements, and debugs software code. Designs and develops the web infrastructure including back-end database development and the construction of SQL queries via CGI scripting. Requires knowledge of web technologies and tools such as CSS, JavaScript, HTML, PERL, PHP, Active Server Pages, SQL, and C++. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Web Software Developer II Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Web Software Programmer, Web Software Developer - Intermediate, Web Software Developer II
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Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Software Systems Developer IV Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Systems Applications Developer IV, Software Systems Developer IV
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Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Software Systems Developer V Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Systems Applications Developer V, Software Systems Developer V
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Develops, builds, and maintains scalable back-end solutions for server applications. Implements and tests web services and API's utilizing standard frameworks and source control tools to ensure product functionality, speed, and security. Collaborates with frontend developers, product managers, and designers to deliver server-side applications and integrate user-facing elements. Knows commonly used languages, development tools, and frameworks. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Backend Developer I Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Backend Applications Developer I, Backend Software Engineer I, Backend Developer I
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Designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Software Engineer III Salaries in Chicago, ILAlternate Job Titles:Senior Software Engineer, Software Developer III, Software Engineer III