As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Technical Lead Software Engineer in Chicago, IL is $121,695, equivalent to $59 per hour, $2,340 weekly, or $10,141 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Technical Lead Software Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Technical Lead Software Engineer in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $103,065 to $141,452. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($111,943) and 75th percentile ($132,036), while top earners (90th percentile) make $141,452 per year. This $20,093 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 Technical Lead Software Engineer often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Technical Lead 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
Technical Lead Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $103,065 Chicago, IL August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $111,943 Chicago, IL August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $121,695 Chicago, IL August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $132,036 Chicago, IL August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $141,452 Chicago, IL August 01, 2026
25% $111,943 10% $103,065 90% $141,452 75% $132,036 $121,695 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Technical Lead Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, Illinois

Software Engineer Lead

Resource Innovations - Chicago, IL

Lead Software Engineer

Eliassen Group - Chicago, IL

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (Lead SDET)

Diversified Services Network, Inc. - Chicago, IL

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What is A Technical Lead Software Engineer ?

The salary for a Technical Lead Software Engineer typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry. This role involves overseeing software development projects, guiding a team of engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software solutions. Responsibilities include designing system architecture, conducting code reviews, and mentoring junior developers. Technical Leads are expected to possess strong programming skills, proficiency in various technologies, and the ability to communicate effectively with s...

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

See user submitted job responsibilities for Technical Lead Software Engineer.

Job Openings for Technical Lead 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:

    Technical Lead 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 Technical Lead Software Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
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Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
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These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Technical Lead Software Engineer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for Technical Lead Software Engineer ranges from $111,943 to $132,036 with the average base salary of $121,695. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $123,460 to $151,454 with the average total cash compensation of $136,776.

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

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111943
132036

 

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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