As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for C++ Software Engineer in Chicago, IL is $120,616, equivalent to $58 per hour, $2,320 weekly, or $10,051 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for C++ Software Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for C++ Software Engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $105,843 to $134,634. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($112,883) and 75th percentile ($127,954), while top earners (90th percentile) make $134,634 per year. This $15,071 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Integrity or Open Source, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago C++ Software Engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 264 statewide for C++ 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
C++ Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile C++ Software Engineer Salary $105,843 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25th Percentile C++ Software Engineer Salary $112,883 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
50th Percentile C++ Software Engineer Salary $120,616 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
75th Percentile C++ Software Engineer Salary $127,954 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
90th Percentile C++ Software Engineer Salary $134,634 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25% $112,883 10% $105,843 90% $134,634 75% $127,954 $120,616 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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C++ Software Engineer

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
112883
127954
120616

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
127911
148883
137627
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of C++ Software Engineer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for C++ Software Engineer ranges from $112,883 to $127,954 with the average base salary of $120,616. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $127,911 to $148,883 with the average total cash compensation of $137,627.

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112883
127954

 

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

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Skills associated with C++ Software Engineer: Design

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