Backend Developer Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$125,000
▲ 4% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$75,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$95,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$125,000
50th Pct.
Median
$165,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$210,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Backend Developer roles in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Backend Developer salary in Chicago?+
The median Backend Developer salary in Chicago, IL is $125,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $95,000 and $165,000.
What is the entry-level Backend Developer salary in Chicago?+
Entry-level Backend Developer positions in Chicago typically start around $95,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $125,000.
What do senior Backend Developers earn in Chicago?+
Senior Backend Developers in Chicago earn $165,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $210,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Backend Developer market changed in Chicago?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Backend Developers in Chicago stands at 4% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Backend Developer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $130,000 | $170,000 | $220,000 | +4% |
| New York, NY | $120,000 | $160,000 | $205,000 | +4% |
| Seattle, WA | $110,000 | $150,000 | $190,000 | +4% |
| Boston, MA | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 | +4% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $115,000 | $155,000 | $200,000 | +4% |
| San Diego, CA | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 | +4% |
| Sacramento, CA | $100,000 | $135,000 | $175,000 | +4% |
| Washington DC, DC | $105,000 | $145,000 | $185,000 | +4% |
Chicago — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $95,000 | $130,000 | $165,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $85,000 | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| iOS Developer | $100,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 |
| Android Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |
| Data Analyst | $65,000 | $90,000 | $115,000 |