Software Developer salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 3 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$132,110/ yr
$11,009 / mo · $63.51 / hr
↓ $3,870 below the national median ($135,980)
Pay by experience
Entry
$80,974
Median
$132,110
Experienced
$194,750
Demand
Very high
Program length
3 months to 4 years
Projected growth
+15.8%
Annual openings
115,200
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Illinois compares to the national wage trend
Illinois median
$132,110
2025 national
$135,980
2024 national
$133,080
↑ +2.2% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+15.8% projected growth through 2034
115,200 average annual openings nationwide for Software Developers.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$15,432
- Time to complete3 months to 4 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Bootcamp
What you get back
- Starting salary$80,974
- Median salary$132,110
- Experienced salary$194,750
At an entry wage of $80,974, most Software Developers break even on the $15,432 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Software Developer in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Software Developer program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Software Developer tracks complete in 3 months to 4 years and average $15,432 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Bootcamp
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Bootcamp in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly 115,200 Software Developer openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Software Developer in Illinois is $132,110 per year, which is $63.51 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $80,974 while experienced Software Developers can earn up to $194,750 annually.
Next step
Find Software Developer Classes Near You
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