Full Stack Developer Salary in Chicago

Chicago is known for its beautiful lakefront and delicious pizza. What you may not know is that Chicago is a bustling Midwestern hub of technology. Chicago is one of those special cities that proves that tech innovation isn’t just taking place on the West Coast. So, if you’re looking to make a move up North and are in the market for a full stack development job, you may be wondering how much you could potentially earn. Don’t worry, Career Karma has you covered! Check out these tips and tricks to landing a full stack development job in Chicago and also see the salary breakdown of current tech employees in the Windy City. 

What Is a Full Stack Developer? 

Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to remember what a full stack developer actually does. While there are many more in-depth articles that cover this topic, we’ll give you a quick overview of what full stack developers do. In short, full stack developers are a combination of both backend and front end developers. Full stack developers work with all aspects of the project from conception to publication. In essence, they’re jacks of all trades. That is, they must have a wide skill set and are generally versed in many different coding languages. While this could seem a little overwhelming, it’s also comforting to know that most full stack developers are well-compensated for their wealth of knowledge. 

Chicago Full Stack Developer Salary Breakdown

So, how much does a full stack developer in Chicago make? The average salary for a full stack developer in Chicago is around $78,000 per year. This includes an estimated $5,000 annual bonus. Keep in mind that this is just an average and that salaries can vary from as low as $59,000 to as high as $117,000 per year. It’s also important to remember that salaries vary considerably based on experience. Less experienced employees may start as junior full stack developers and then eventually work their way up to a regular or even senior full stack developer. 

Who’s Hiring Full Stack Developers in Chicago?

Now that you know the numbers, are you packing your bags yet? Before you make the move, you should become acquainted with the major companies in Chicago and take a look at which companies are currently hiring. Some of the biggest tech employers in Chicago include Google, Grubhub, and Groupon. However, these are just companies with major name recognition. There are thousands of smaller companies that offer equivalent if not greater salaries than the companies mentioned above. Some of the companies that are hiring full stack developers in Chicago as of July 27, 2019  include Egen Solutions, AT&T, and Cars.com. 

Again, these are just a few of the hundreds of companies that are currently hiring full stack developers in Chicago. Ready to get started? One of the best ways to learn the complex skills of a full stack developer is to attend a coding bootcamp. There are hundreds of coding bootcamps that can help you fulfill your dream of breaking into tech. Career Karma can help find the best Chicago coding bootcamp for you!