Top Coding Jobs & Salaries in Chicago: How Much Do They Make?

Chicago, a city synonymous with innovation and progress, offers a myriad of opportunities for coding professionals seeking meaningful careers. In this article, you can uncover the earning potential that accompanies roles such as Web Developer, Software Developer, and Software Engineer.

From the iconic skyline to the digital frontier, you’ll learn about the landscape of coding careers in Chicago, including insights into salaries for both entry-level and experienced professionals. Let’s decode the intricacies of the Windy City's tech industry, answering the pivotal question: How much do coding professionals make in Chicago?

Why Choose a Coding Career in Chicago?

Choosing a coding career in Chicago means choosing a dynamic and rewarding path. The city is buzzing with technological advancements—creating a demand for coders in various fields. Chicago's economy, with its focus on healthcare, finance, and technology, is calling for skilled coders to make a difference.

• Growing Demand Across Industries: Chicago's diverse economy creates a constant need for coding skills. From improving healthcare processes to innovating finance software, coders contribute significantly to Chicago's varied industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for coding roles will grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. As one of the major tech cities in the US, you can expect a large number of in-demand coding jobs in Chicago.

• Lucrative Salary Potential: Coding jobs in Chicago come with the added perk of competitive pay. The city values tech innovation, and employers are willing to pay well for top talent. Your coding skills won't just be valued. Depending on your experience level, you could be rewarded with compensation packages that unlock the top coding salaries in Chicago.

• Top Companies Hiring: Prominent organizations like DocuSign, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Google, Citadel, and Relativity are actively hiring for coding jobs in Chicago. Being part of these respected companies not only offers job stability but can also enable you to build professional experience and achieve sustainable career growth over time.

Top Coding Jobs & Salaries in Chicago

Chicago offers aspiring coders a diverse range of high-paying opportunities and a thriving tech community. Let's dive into the top coding jobs in Chicago and their potential salaries to help you find the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations.

1. Web Developer

What Does a Web Developer Do?

Web developers bring websites and web applications to life. They translate design concepts into functional code, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and seamless user experiences. Skills needed include proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as familiarity with frameworks like React or Angular.

Web Developer Salaries in Chicago

Entry-level web developer salaries in Chicago are around $86,410 annually, while the salaries of experienced professionals exceed $109,913 (Glassdoor, Jan 2024).

2. Software Developer

What Does a Software Developer Do?

Software developers write the code that makes applications tick—be it mobile apps, enterprise software, or cutting-edge tech solutions. They create software applications, focusing on back-end functionality, data processing, and system integration. Software developers utilize diverse programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, depending on the project and industry.

Software Developer Salaries in Chicago

Typical entry-level software developer salaries in Chicago are around $107,199 annually. More experienced professionals can earn salaries exceeding $127,562 (Glassdoor, Jan 2024). Specialization in areas like mobile development or cloud computing can further increase earning potential.

3. Software Engineer

What Does a Software Engineer Do?

Software engineers combine software development expertise with broader engineering principles while designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems. They need strong programming skills (Java, Python, C++), strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and experience in data structures and algorithms, object-oriented programming, and software design principles.

Software Engineer Salaries in Chicago

When it comes to software engineer salaries in Chicago, they typically range between $124,581 for entry-level roles and $150,624 for experienced professionals (Glassdoor, Jan 2024).

Beyond these core roles, Chicago also offers numerous opportunities in specific areas of coding, such as:

• Front-end developer: Focuses on the visual elements and user interaction of websites and applications.

• Back-end developer: Creates the server-side logic and data processing behind web applications.

• Mobile app developer: Develops applications specifically for smartphones and tablets.

How to Get a Coding Job in Chicago

Breaking into the tech scene to land a coding job in Chicago requires the right skills and strategic preparation. So, where do you begin?

How to Acquire In-Demand Coding Skills in Chicago

Elevating your coding skills in Chicago involves a strategic blend of education and hands-on experience. Navigate the path to success with the following steps

1. Immersive Learning Through Coding Bootcamps:

For an intensive, hands-on learning experience, consider Chicago's renowned coding bootcamps. The University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy is a notable option that provides you with an immersive learning environment taught by industry-experienced instructors.

The program covers a rigorous curriculum from fundamentals to advanced concepts, along with projects, and additionally provides career success coaching to fast-track your career success. Utilize this bootcamp’s intensive training to swiftly gain the essential skills you need to become a professional coder and unlock the attractive coding salaries in Chicago.

2. Online Learning Platforms:

Expand your knowledge and explore specific areas with online platforms like Coursera and Codecademy. In these courses, you could learn the fundamentals of programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and software development methodologies. You can stay current in Chicago’s growing tech landscape by pursuing these flexible, industry-relevant courses.

3. Industry-Recognized Certifications:

Moreover, you could earn industry-recognized certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Google's Associate Android Developer Certification. These certifications act as a validation of your expertise in specific coding domains on your resume. Additionally, they help you stand out in Chicago’s competitive job market as a certified professional.

Out of the above options, you can consider the University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy as your first step to gaining the skills that are required for coding jobs in Chicago with competitive salaries.

How to Build a Long-Term Successful Coding Career

Ensuring a thriving, long-term coding career in Chicago involves a blend of passion-driven initiatives and community engagement.

1. Personal Coding Projects and Challenges:

Elevate your coding skills by undertaking personal projects and challenges. Whether it's building a unique app or contributing to open-source projects, these endeavors not only showcase your abilities but also foster continuous learning.

Platforms like GitHub provide spaces to display your projects, creating a digital portfolio that reflects your evolving expertise. In addition, you can participate in various coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to showcase the skills you learned and use them as a validation of your commitment to continuous learning.

2. Coding Communities and Events in Chicago:

Take part in local coding events and conferences like Events Powered by Fullstack Academy, TECHSPO Chicago, and GOTO Chicago to connect with industry peers, share insights, and stay updated about the latest industry trends. Additionally, you can engage with the vibrant coding communities in Chicago like Chicago Code and Coffee and Women Who Code Chicago which provide you opportunities to network and expose yourself to diverse perspectives, widening your understanding of the tech landscape in the region.

By consistently taking on personal coding projects and actively participating in Chicago's coding events and communities, you not only ensure the longevity of your coding career but also position yourself as a dynamic and valued contributor to the city's flourishing tech ecosystem.

Future Trends and Growth Opportunities in Your Coding Career

Chicago's tech scene is booming, but the world of coding is ever-evolving. By staying ahead of the curve, you can unlock even greater opportunities in the field. With the knowledge of top coding jobs and salaries in Chicago, you can explore emerging trends in the coding space and pursue the exciting growth potential for skilled coders in Chicago and beyond. So, get ready to envision your future and chart your path to success in the ever-dynamic world of tech!

Get started with this career transformation journey with the University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp powered by Fullstack Academy as your first step. With its intensive programs, hands-on learning, and career success support, this coding bootcamp paves the way for you to advance toward competitive coding salaries in Chicago. Apply now!