Software Developers Salary Comparison
Chicago vs Dallas
Compare Software Developers salaries and employment across different metropolitan areas. Understand regional salary differences to make informed career location decisions.
Quick Summary
Dallas pays Software Developers professionals approximately 1.1% more than Chicago, with a median salary of $131,490 compared to $130,030.
Detailed Salary Comparison
Compare Software Developers salaries across Chicago and Dallas based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2024).
Chicago
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
| Metric | Chicago Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Dallas Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Median Annual Salary Half earn more, half earn less | $130,030 | $131,490 ✓ | |
| 📊 Average Annual Salary Mathematical average of all salaries | $130,930 | $135,190 ✓ | |
| 🎯 Entry Level (10th %ile) Starting salary range | $78,300 | $81,600 ✓ | |
| ⭐ Senior Level (90th %ile) Top earner range | $173,770 ✓ | $173,230 | |
| 👥 Employment Number of jobs | 41,320 | 63,430 ✓ | +53.5% + 22,110 |
Chicago
Dallas
Important Considerations
While salary differences are important, they don't tell the complete story. When comparing cities for your Software Developers career:
- Cost of Living: Higher salaries often correlate with higher housing, food, and transportation costs.
- Career Growth: Consider which city has more companies and opportunities in your specific industry.
- Quality of Life: Evaluate climate, culture, commute times, and lifestyle preferences.
- Tax Implications: State and local taxes can significantly impact take-home pay.
- Network Effects: Being in a major hub for your industry can accelerate career advancement.
Want to explore more about Software Developers careers?
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How much do Software Developers professionals make in Chicago vs Dallas?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2024), Software Developers professionals in Chicago earn a median annual salary of $130,030, while those in Dallas earn $131,490. The difference is approximately 1.1%.
Which city pays Software Developers professionals more?
Dallas offers higher median salaries for Software Developers professionals, with a median of $131,490 compared to $130,030 in Chicago.
Are there more Software Developers jobs in Chicago or Dallas?
Chicago has approximately 41,320 Software Developers positions, while Dallas has 63,430 positions. Dallas offers more job opportunities in this field.
Should I move to Chicago or Dallas for a Software Developers career?
When deciding between Chicago and Dallas for your Software Developers career, consider not just salary differences but also cost of living, quality of life, industry concentration, and networking opportunities. Dallas offers higher salaries, but higher salaries often correlate with higher living costs. Research housing prices, transportation costs, and lifestyle preferences before making your decision.
Data Source & Attribution
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Data Period: May 2024
Last Verified: December 25, 2025
Metropolitan area employment and wage estimates. Individual results may vary based on specific employer, experience, industry, and certifications.
Salary and employment data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages shown are before taxes and may vary based on experience, education, and employer. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation.
How to cite this data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)." May 2024. Analyzed by Wageography, 2025. Available: https://www.bls.gov/oes/