Software Engineer job market in Chicago, IL (2026)
The Software Engineer job market in Chicago, IL is moderately active, with 106 open positions across 15+ employers. Hiring momentum is strong, with 61 new listings in the past month and 33 in the last week alone.
What can you expect to earn?
The median salary for Software Engineer roles in Chicago, IL is $122,000, with most positions paying between $73,150 and $140,000. Top performers can earn $175,000 or more at the 90th percentile. Note that 41% of listings in this market don't disclose salary, so actual compensation varies — especially for negotiable roles. For higher compensation, consider abu dhabi where the median is AED 300,000.
Skills that employers want
Analysis of job descriptions in Chicago, IL shows the most requested skills are Java, Agile, AWS, CI/CD, SQL, and Spring Boot. Including these keywords in your resume can significantly improve your ATS match rate. Our Software Engineer resume example shows how to integrate these naturally.
Who's hiring?
The most active employers for Software Engineer positions in Chicago, IL include J.P. Morgan, JPMorgan Chase & Co., NinjaTrader, AbbVie Inc., and Capgemini. Use JobsChat AI to filter by specific companies or discover employers that match your preferences.
Remote & flexible work
2% of Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL offer remote or hybrid work (2 positions). This role is predominantly on-site, though some employers are beginning to offer hybrid options.
Ready to apply?
Start with our Software Engineer resume example. Pair it with a tailored cover letter. Then use JobsChat AI to search all 106 positions and generate application materials in minutes. Browse Software Engineer jobs in other cities or explore all jobs in Chicago, IL.