TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Backend Developer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$99,646/yr
Typical range: $94,765 – $116,527
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Backend Developer salary by experience level in Chicago
Backend Developer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $99,646 | $8,304 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $123,092 | $10,258 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $138,723 | $11,560 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $160,606 | $13,384 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $216,876 | $18,073 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $271,975 | $22,665 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $285,749 | $23,812 | +187% |
Current Salary
$99,646
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$123,092
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+22% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Backend Developer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Backend Developers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $100K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Backend Developer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $100K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Backend Developer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Backend Developer in Chicago, IL earns $184K–$227K/yr.