As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Big Data Software Engineer in Chicago, IL is $147,846, equivalent to $71 per hour, $2,843 weekly, or $12,321 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Big Data Software Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Big Data Software Engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $125,516 to $172,180. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($136,158) and 75th percentile ($160,583), while top earners (90th percentile) make $172,180 per year. This $24,425 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Big Data Software Engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 264 statewide for Big Data Software Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Big Data Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $125,516 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $136,158 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $147,846 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $160,583 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Big Data Software Engineer Salary $172,180 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25% $136,158 10% $125,516 90% $172,180 75% $160,583 $147,846 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A Big Data Software Engineer ?

A Big Data Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable data processing systems. This role involves working with large datasets, utilizing technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases. Key responsibilities include optimizing data pipelines, ensuring data quality, and collaborating with data scientists and analysts to implement data-driven solutions. The salary for a Big Data Software Engineer varies based on experience, location, and the specific industry. On average, salaries range from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, with potential for highe...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

See user submitted job responsibilities for Big Data Software Engineer.

Job Openings for Big Data Software Engineer in Chicago, IL

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Big Data Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for A Big Data Software Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
136158
160583
147846

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
147304
180704
163191
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Big Data Software Engineer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for Big Data Software Engineer ranges from $136,158 to $160,583 with the average base salary of $147,846. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $147,304 to $180,704 with the average total cash compensation of $163,191.

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

136158
160583

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

Chicago, Illinois  area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

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