Illinois ranks 21st of 51 states and D.C. for software developers pay, trailing top-paying California ($170,910) by $43,140 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $75,450 to $172,020 — a $96,570 spread, 27% tighter than the national $131,600 range.
Illinois employs roughly 3.3% of all software developers in the country (54,490 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $75,450 | $36.27 |
| 25th percentile | $98,800 | $47.50 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $127,770 | $61.43 |
| 75th percentile | $159,280 | $76.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $172,020 | $82.70 |
| Mean (average) | $127,030 | $61.07 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $127,770 | n/a |
| California | $170,910 | +34% |
| Washington | $166,910 | +31% |
| New York | $161,260 | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $150,520 | +18% |
| Maryland | $137,890 | +8% |
| District of Columbia | $136,040 | +6% |
| Oregon | $135,260 | +6% |
| Delaware | $135,160 | +6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians | $128,290 | 2,950 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $128,620 | 9,560 |
| Computer Network Architects | $132,310 | 6,450 |
| Physician Assistants | $122,990 | 3,930 |
| Public Relations Managers | $122,950 | 2,890 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,540 | 280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developers salary in Illinois?
The mean software developers salary in Illinois is $127,030 per year. The median (middle) salary is $127,770 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Software Developers in Illinois?
Entry-level software developerss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $75,450 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $98,800 per year.
What is the highest Software Developers salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $172,020 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $159,280 per year.
How does the Illinois Software Developers salary compare to the national average?
The median software developers salary in Illinois is $127,770, which is -4% below national average of $133,080.