Computer Programmers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $90,470 -8.3% vs national
Median hourly $43.50
10th percentile $53,000
90th percentile $150,930
National median $98,670

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Computer Programmers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,000
    25th
    $65,400
    50th (median)
    $90,470
    75th
    $117,110
    90th
    $150,930

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Computer Programmers salary vs area income 102% Median Computer Programmers salary is 2% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Computer Programmers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $167,970
    Boulder, CO $162,530
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $159,250
    Washington $158,820
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $136,880
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $133,560

    Nearby metros — Computer Programmers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $136,880
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $128,240
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $120,870
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $113,720
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $108,330
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $105,030

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Software Developers$130,030
    Computer User Support Specialists$59,570
    Computer Systems Analysts$99,510
    Computer Occupations, All Other$102,080
    Network and Computer Systems Administrators$98,790
    Data Scientists$112,640

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Computer Programmers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Computer Programmers in Chicago, IL-IN is $43.50, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $73.53 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Computer Programmers salaries?

    The median Computer Programmers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 8.3% below the national median of $98,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Computer Programmers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Computer Programmers (10th percentile) earn around $53,000 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,400.