As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Development Manager in Des Plaines, IL is $173,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Software Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Development Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Development Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $152,445 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $175,248 |
| Software Development Manager | 10+ years | $173,588 |
| Director of Software Engineering | 10+ years | $219,274 |
| Executive Director of Software Engineering/Application Development | 10+ years | $247,253 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.75% |
| Agile | 3.66% |
| Docker | 2.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employment Authorization
|
$180,534 |
4%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$180,534 |
4%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$180,534 |
4%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$178,798 |
3%
|
|
Docker
|
$178,798 |
3%
|
|
People Management
|
$178,798 |
3%
|
Software Development Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $194,324. While startup companies pay approximate $164,394.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $164,394 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $173,866 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $187,654 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $194,324 |
For Software Development Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Development Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Development Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $216,988 | $104.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $208,308 | $100.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $208,308 | $100.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $199,628 | $96.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $199,628 | $96.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Software Development Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Software Development Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Director of Software Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $219,300 - a projected growth of 26% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Development Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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