Software Developer H-1B Salary in Chicago, IL
Employers have filed 2,866 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Software Developer positions in Chicago, IL, with a median salary of $97,781. That's 1% higher than the national Software Developer H-1B median of $96,595 across all U.S. locations, and 4% lower than the Chicago, IL all-roles H-1B median of $102,294. Software Developer ranks #1 among H-1B job titles filed from Chicago, IL.
Headline numbers for Software Developer H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, sourced from certified DOL Labor Condition Applications. This pair ranks #37 by filing volume out of the 6,873 job × city combinations we track — one of the largest for Software Developer hiring.
Software Developer H-1B Salary Range in Chicago, IL
The pay distribution for this role spans $63,760 from the 10th to 90th percentile. Half of all offers fall between $87,838 and $117,686, the interquartile range where most experienced Software Developers land. The median of $97,781 sits 1% higher than the national Software Developer H-1B median.
- 10th percentile
- $80,800
- 25th percentile
- $87,838
- Median
- $97,781
- 75th percentile
- $117,686
- 90th percentile
- $144,560
Top Employers Hiring Software Developers in Chicago, IL
EY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Software Developer in Chicago, IL, with 462 certified filings (16% of local Software Developer H-1B filings) at a median salary of $136,750. The pay spread across top employers is 75%, so which employer you work for materially affects your offer.
Pay spread among top employers: 75% ($78,100 at HEXAWARE TECHNOLOGIES to $136,750 at EY)
| Employer | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| EY | 462 | $136,750 |
| COMPUNNEL | 206 | $104,750 |
| THE NORTHERN TRUST | 159 | $123,614 |
| HEXAWARE TECHNOLOGIES | 83 | $78,100 |
| IBM | 74 | $90,397 |
How This Salary Compares
Two benchmarks worth knowing. The first is the national Software Developer H-1B median across every U.S. location — a measure of how local cost-of-living and market demand shift pay up or down. The second is the all-roles H-1B median in Chicago, IL, which tells you whether Software Developer pays above or below the typical H-1B job in this metro.
Software Developer H-1B Salaries in Other Cities
The other top metros where Software Developer is an active H-1B role. Irving, TX has the most filings (7,823) outside Chicago, IL. The highest median among these is New York, NY at $109,800. Click any city below for local salary percentiles and top sponsoring employers.
| City | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Irving, TX | 7,823 | $96,500 |
| Plano, TX | 5,806 | $95,000 |
| Houston, TX | 5,041 | $92,000 |
| New York, NY | 4,183 | $109,800 |
| Austin, TX | 4,107 | $96,866 |
| Charlotte, NC | 3,788 | $101,109 |
| Atlanta, GA | 3,712 | $99,000 |
| Dallas, TX | 3,631 | $98,904 |
| Alpharetta, GA | 3,622 | $90,250 |
| Frisco, TX | 2,561 | $98,904 |
Other H-1B Jobs in Chicago, IL
The most common H-1B specialty occupations filed from Chicago, IL, ranked by certified filing volume. Software Engineer is the busiest non-Software Developer role here (2,677 filings). The highest-paying role on this list is Manager at a median of $139,776.
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 2,677 | $107,500 |
| Consultant | 1,662 | $92,061 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 1,373 | $125,000 |
| Architect | 1,306 | $90,397 |
| Manager | 1,082 | $139,776 |
| Accountant | 998 | $93,000 |
| Senior Consultant | 937 | $114,067 |
| Assistant Professor | 866 | $94,000 |
| Systems Analyst | 780 | $93,600 |
| Research Associate | 704 | $62,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Software Developer in Chicago, IL is $97,781, based on 2,866 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. This is 1% higher than the national Software Developer H-1B median of $96,595 across all U.S. locations. It is also 4% lower than the overall H-1B median of $102,294 in Chicago, IL across all job titles.
Salaries span a $63,760 range from the 10th percentile ($80,800) to the 90th percentile ($144,560). The middle 50% of workers earn between $87,838 and $117,686, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, and employer tier.
EY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role in Chicago, IL, with 462 certified filings at a median salary of $136,750. The pay spread across top employers is 75%, so which employer you work for meaningfully affects your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions people ask about Software Developer H-1B roles in Chicago, IL, answered directly from 2,866 certified Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Every answer below cites the specific data point it's based on.
What is the average Software Developer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median H-1B salary for Software Developer positions in Chicago, IL is $97,781, based on 2,866 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 10th percentile
- $80,800
- 25th percentile
- $87,838
- Median
- $97,781
- 75th percentile
- $117,686
- 90th percentile
- $144,560
The salary distribution for Software Developer roles in Chicago, IL shows considerable range: the 10th percentile earns $80,800, while the 90th percentile earns $144,560. This $63,760 spread reflects differences in experience levels, specific technical skills, company size, and seniority.
Compared to the national H-1B median of $130,541, Software Developer salaries in Chicago, IL are 25% lower, reflecting the local cost of living and market demand for this role.
Which companies hire Software Developers in Chicago, IL?
The top employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Software Developer positions in Chicago, IL are:
These employers represent the largest H-1B sponsors for Software Developer roles specifically in Chicago, IL. EY leads with 462 filings at a median salary of $136,750. Compensation varies by employer, ranging from $78,100 to $136,750.
How do I get an H-1B visa as a Software Developer in Chicago, IL?
To obtain an H-1B visa as a Software Developer in Chicago, IL, you'll need a sponsoring employer. The process involves several steps:
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa
- The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor
- Once the LCA is certified, the employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS
- If selected in the H-1B lottery (if applicable) and approved, you can begin work
Based on our data, 2,866 H-1B positions for Software Developers in Chicago, IL have been certified, indicating strong demand for this role. The top sponsors listed above have a track record of successful H-1B sponsorship for this position.