As of November 01, 2026, the average annual salary for remote software engineer in Chicago, IL is $138,478, equivalent to $67 per hour, $2,663 weekly, or $11,540 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for remote software engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for remote software engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $117,270 to $160,963. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($127,377) and 75th percentile ($150,248), while top earners (90th percentile) make $160,963 per year. This $22,871 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 remote software engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for remote 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
remote software engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $117,270 Chicago, IL November 01, 2026
25th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $127,377 Chicago, IL November 01, 2026
50th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $138,478 Chicago, IL November 01, 2026
75th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $150,248 Chicago, IL November 01, 2026
90th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $160,963 Chicago, IL November 01, 2026
25% $127,377 10% $117,270 90% $160,963 75% $150,248 $138,478 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out remote software engineer jobs in Chicago, Illinois

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What is a remote software engineer ?

The salary for a remote software engineer varies based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific technologies used. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, while mid-level engineers can expect between $80,000 and $120,000. Senior software engineers and those with specialized skills may earn upwards of $120,000, with some positions exceeding $150,000. Companies often provide additional benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work hours. The demand for remote software engineers continues to grow, leadin...

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

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Job Openings for remote 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:

    remote 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 remote software engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
127377
150248
138478

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
141571
173674
156843
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of remote software engineer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for remote software engineer ranges from $127,377 to $150,248 with the average base salary of $138,478. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $141,571 to $173,674 with the average total cash compensation of $156,843.

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.

127377
150248

 

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

remote software engineer Salary in popular cities: Aurora, Rockford, Joliet

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