As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in Chicago, IL is $51,310, equivalent to $25 per hour, $987 weekly, or $4,276 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $39,270 to $65,785. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($45,008) and 75th percentile ($58,887), while top earners (90th percentile) make $65,785 per year. This $13,879 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Testing, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
