As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for remote software engineer in Chicago, IL is $138,499, equivalent to $67 per hour, $2,663 weekly, or $11,542 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for remote software engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for remote software engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $117,580 to $161,294. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($127,549) and 75th percentile ($150,431), while top earners (90th percentile) make $161,294 per year. This $22,882 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 264 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 $117,580 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $127,549 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
50th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $138,499 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
75th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $150,431 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
90th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $161,294 Chicago, IL January 01, 2026
25% $127,549 10% $117,580 90% $161,294 75% $150,431 $138,499 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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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

 
 
 
127549
150431
138499

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
137991
169279
152873
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 $127,549 to $150,431 with the average base salary of $138,499. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $137,991 to $169,279 with the average total cash compensation of $152,873.

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.

127549
150431

 

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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