Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Chicago

Chicago's tech scene is straight fire these days! The industry has been growing like crazy, with a 10% increase in tech workers from 2020 to 2024, outpacing the national average.

Plus, venture funding for Chicago tech startups hit a record high last year, which means more opportunities for us to land sick jobs.

With an average tech salary of $105K, these roles are a major come-up.

And the best part? The demand keeps rising as Chicago solidifies its spot as a legit tech hub, attracting big names like Google and homegrown startups.

The hottest areas right now are fintech (think trading apps and mobile banking), healthtech (med data analytics and remote patient monitoring), and logistics/supply chain tech (fleet management, warehouse automation).

As a young professional in 2024, you're stepping into an exciting job market.

According to Hired's 2024 report, there are over 2,500 open positions for software engineers and data scientists in Chicago alone. With the right skills, a high-paying tech career is totally within reach.

And Nucamp's coding bootcamps can hook you up with those in-demand skills.

"Chicago's affordability and top talent from universities like UChicago and IIT make it an ideal location for tech companies large and small." - Patricia Hernandez, Head of People at TruckLogics

Check it! We did some real hustling to find the hottest tech jobs in Chi-Town for 2024.

Our team scoured the web, digging deep into sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and even the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics to get the lowdown on what roles are raking in the big bucks. We focused on gigs that average over $100K a year, 'cause let's be real, we're trying to ball out here.

But we also kept an eye on job growth projections from the state, so you're not just chasing a quick buck, but a solid career path too.

And of course, we cross-checked our findings with real job listings on LinkedIn and Dice to make sure these roles are actually in demand right now. It was no cake walk, let me tell you.

We had to crunch mad data, assign weighted scores based on salary, growth, and demand, and then run it all by industry pros to make sure we weren't tripping. But hey, that's what it takes to bring you the top 10 highest-paying tech gigs in the city.

Topping our list is the Software Engineering Manager role, and this gig is a total boss move in Chicago's tech scene. As the leader of a squad of coding wizards, you'll be orchestrating the entire software development journey, from conceptualizing the vision to deploying and maintaining the final product.

It's like being the conductor of a symphony, but instead of musicians, you're harmonizing a team of brilliant developers.

To rock this role, you'll need a solid technical foundation, typically with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field under your belt.

But that's just the entry ticket – the real game-changer is your extensive experience in software development methodologies like Agile and Scrum. You'll be a coding Jedi, fluent in programming languages, software architecture, and all the dev tools that make the magic happen.

But that's not all – you'll also need to be a master juggler, skilled in project management, able to prioritize and execute multiple projects simultaneously without breaking a sweat.

Incredible communication and interpersonal skills are a must, as you'll be leading, motivating, and mentoring your team of coding ninjas.

And let's not forget that razor-sharp problem-solving mind – you'll need to think critically and analytically to solve complex technical challenges that would make lesser mortals tremble.

If you've got what it takes, get ready to cash in big time. According to our research, the average salary for a Software Engineering Manager in Chicago is a jaw-dropping $135,000 per year as of 2024.

Let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs in Chicago for 2024 - Solutions Architect.

These people are like the masterminds behind designing and implementing killer tech solutions for companies. They're the bridge connecting business goals with cutting-edge IT systems, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

To rock this role, you have to have a diverse skill set.

We're talking technical expertise like coding in Java or Python, understanding databases and cloud computing, and knowing system architecture inside out.

But it's not just about the tech side - you also need serious business smarts to translate requirements into tech solutions that drive real results.

Problem-solving is key too.

Solutions Architects have to identify and tackle complex technical challenges, considering all the constraints and trade-offs. And let's not forget communication and collaboration skills - you'll be working closely with different teams, so being able to explain complex ideas clearly and work together seamlessly is a must.

If you can master all that, you'll be raking in the big bucks in Chicago.

We're talking an average salary of around $137,890 per year for Solutions Architects in 2024. Companies are willing to pay top dollar for professionals who can bridge the gap between business and tech, ensuring their critical systems are optimized and integrated flawlessly.

As one seasoned Solutions Architect put it, "Designing and implementing the tech backbone that powers businesses is my jam. It's a challenging but rewarding gig that requires a deep understanding of both technical and business domains, allowing me to create innovative solutions that drive organizational success." Sounds like a sweet deal, right?

Let's talk about being a Data Scientist in Chicago - it's seriously where the money's at! These data-crunching wizards are in crazy demand right now, with companies tripping over themselves to hire Data Scientists who can turn complex data into game-changing insights.

To land one of these sweet gigs, you'll need some serious skills under your belt.

We're talking a solid grasp of stats, coding languages like Python and R, and a knack for machine learning techniques that'll make your head spin. But if you've got a degree in a quantitative field and can communicate those data-driven revelations like a pro, you're golden.

The average Data Scientist salary in Chicago is projected to hit a staggering $112,000 by 2024.

That's some serious cash! And with top companies like Discover and Capital One hunting for data talent, you could be rolling in the dough while doing what you love.

Just make sure you've got those coding chops on lock, and you'll be living the high life in no time.

The DevOps Engineer gig is totally where it's at in the Chicago tech scene! These coding ninjas are like the glue holding dev teams and ops crews together, making sure apps deploy smoothly and systems run like clockwork.

Being a DevOps Engineer is all about streamlining processes and automating the grind, so teams can focus on innovating and building rad stuff.

To rock this role in the Windy City, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.

We're talking coding chops with languages like Python, Ruby, and Bash. You also need to be a pro at containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and know your way around cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Plus, you've gotta be tight with CI/CD tools for continuous integration and deployment, like Jenkins, GitLab, or Travis CI. And let's not forget infrastructure as code (IaC) concepts and tools like Terraform or Ansible.

But it's not just about the technical wizardry – DevOps Engineers have to be team players too.

Clear communication and collaboration skills are key to bridging the gap between dev and ops squads. According to the data, a DevOps Engineer in Chicago can rake in an average of $112,000 per year as of 2024, with room to climb even higher for the seasoned vets and true coding masters.

The Information Security Analyst gig in Chicago is seriously where it's at if you're looking to rake in some major cash.

We're talking the 5th highest-paying tech job in the city, and the demand is only gonna keep rising as cyber threats get more intense. In 2024, you'll be dealing with stuff like monitoring security tools and vendors, investigating alerts, responding to customer queries, and identifying weaknesses in security controls.

It's all about keeping those networks and systems locked down tight.

But don't think you can just waltz into this role without putting in the work. You'll need a solid grasp of computer science, cybersecurity principles, and risk management.

We're talking a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CEH, and skills in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are a must, and you better be able to communicate and collaborate with the team effectively. VTS is hiring for this position, so check it out if you've got what it takes.

The average annual salary for an Information Security Analyst in Chicago is projected to hit a whopping $108,640 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's some serious cash for keeping those cyber threats at bay. So, if you're looking to level up your career and secure a high-paying tech job in the Windy City, this is definitely one to consider.

The Machine Learning Engineer role is where it's at if you wanna make some serious cash in Chicago's tech scene. These brainiacs are the ones building AI systems that can learn and adapt on their own, and companies are scrambling to snag them.

To be an ML Engineer in the Windy City, you gotta have mad skills like coding in Python, R, and Java, plus knowledge of frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

You also need to be a maths whiz and know your way around algorithms, data processing, and model training.

But here's the real kicker - the average Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago rakes in a whopping $111,391 per year! That's some serious bank, folks.

And according to industry insiders, companies are ready to shell out top dollar for ML talent because the demand is off the charts. "Companies in Chicago are fighting tooth and nail for skilled Machine Learning Engineers," says tech recruiter Sarah Lee.

"They're offering competitive pay packages and sweet perks to lock down the best candidates." So, if you've got the right skillset, this could be your ticket to a high-flying career and a fat paycheck in the Windy City.

If you're looking to make some serious cash in the tech scene here in Chi-Town, you gotta check out the role of a Product Manager.

It's like being the captain of a ship, steering the direction of a product from start to finish. These folks are in high demand, and for good reason – they're the ones making sure the company's vision becomes a reality.

As a Product Manager, you're the bridge between the business side and the technical wizards.

Your job is to define the product strategy, do some serious market research, gather feedback from customers, and work with teams across the board to make sure the product launch is a success.

It's a juggling act, but hey, that's what makes it exciting!

To rock this role, you gotta have a diverse set of skills. You need to be a pro at analyzing data and spotting trends, have a solid understanding of how software gets built (agile methodologies, tech architectures, and all that jazz), be a communication master to keep everyone on the same page, and have a knack for business savvy (pricing, marketing strategies, you name it).

If you can tick all those boxes, you're in for a sweet gig in Chicago's booming tech scene.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Product Managers in the Chicago area is a whopping $131,230 as of May 2022. Of course, that can vary based on your experience, the industry, and the company size, but hey, it's a solid starting point.

Just remember, in this constantly evolving field, you gotta keep learning and adapting to stay ahead of the game.

Check it - the #8 high-paying tech gig in Chi-Town is Cloud Engineer.

With companies going all-in on cloud platforms, these pros are a hot commodity for designing, building, and keeping those systems running smooth. A Cloud Engineer's job is to be the master of an org's cloud infrastructure, making sure it's secure, scalable, and integrated like a well-oiled machine.

To rock this role, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.

We're talking expertise with cloud giants like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Coding chops in Python, Java, Go? Check.

Knowing the ins and outs of virtualization, containerization (hello, Docker), and automation tools like Ansible and Terraform? Double-check. But that's not all - certifications, networking know-how, and experience with DevOps practices are also crucial.

According to the stats, a Cloud Engineer in Chicago can expect to rake in an average of $127,500 per year in 2024.

That's some serious cash, reflecting the city's booming tech scene and the high demand for cloud wizards. As more businesses go cloud-crazy, this role is set to keep climbing the ranks and commanding top dollar.

The world of tech is on fire right now, and the role of a UX/UI Designer is scorching hot! These creative geniuses are the ones who make sure all those apps, websites, and software we use every day don't just look fly but also work like a dream.

They're the bridge between aesthetics and functionality, blending style with substance. And in a city like Chicago, where tech is booming, the demand for skilled UX/UI Designers is through the roof!

But being a UX/UI Designer isn't just about making things pretty – it's a whole package deal.

You gotta have mad skills like design proficiency, understanding user behavior through research, crafting slick prototypes, and even knowing a thing or two about coding.

It's like being a multi-talented artist, problem-solver, and tech wizard all rolled into one.

And the best part? The average salary for UX/UI Designers in Chicago is projected to be a solid $103,000 in 2024, according to the latest reports.

That's some serious cash flow, and it just shows how in-demand these creative masterminds are. As businesses keep leveling up their digital game, UX/UI Designers will be the ones leading the charge, shaping the future of how we interact with technology.

So if you've got a knack for design and a passion for problem-solving, this could be your golden ticket to a career that's both fulfilling and lucrative.

Let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs in Chicago right now - Full-Stack Developers.

These coding wizards are like the Swiss Army knives of the tech world, skilled in both front-end and back-end development. With businesses going all-in on web and mobile apps, the demand for Full-Stack Devs in the Windy City is blowing up.

According to the latest data, Full-Stack Engineer jobs in Chicago are paying an average salary of around $98K as of 2024.

Not too shabby, right? But to land one of these sweet gigs, you gotta have some seriously impressive skills.

We're talking expertise in coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.

And that's just the front-end stuff. On the back-end, you'll need to be a pro at server-side technologies like Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails, and database management systems like MySQL or MongoDB. It's a lot to juggle, but that's what makes Full-Stack Devs so valuable - they can handle the entire web app from start to finish.

The tech scene in Chicago is absolutely blowing up, and the demand for skilled people in all sorts of tech roles is going to skyrocket in the next few years. According to the latest projections, the top five highest-paying tech jobs in the city by 2024 will be Software Engineering Manager, raking in an average of $145K; Solutions Architect at a cool $135K; Data Scientist at $120K; DevOps Engineer at $115K; and Information Security Analyst at $110K. But to really excel in this fast-paced world, staying on top of your game and being able to roll with the punches is key.

A recent study from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that professionals who keep leveling up their skills and knowledge through continuous education are 25% more likely to climb up the career ladder and snag those higher-paying gigs.

With game-changing tech like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing shaking things up, you have to stay ahead of the curve by actively picking up new skills.

As tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft expand their presence in Chicago, the demand for roles like Cloud Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and UX/UI Designer is going to be through the roof.

Being able to adapt and embrace change is crucial for leveling up your career.

According to a survey by the Chicago Technology Association, the people who:

• Stay open to learning new tech and methodologies
• Don't shy away from diverse projects and responsibilities
• Collaborate and gel with cross-functional teams

experienced higher job satisfaction and faster career growth.

As tech continues to disrupt industries, the need for versatile full-stack developers and product managers with a solid grasp of the entire development lifecycle is going to be off the charts.

Renowned tech author and speaker, Susan Jones, hits the nail on the head, saying:

"In the ever-evolving tech landscape, stagnation is a career killer. Embracing a growth mindset and actively pursuing new knowledge are essential for staying relevant and unlocking new opportunities."

The future of the tech job market in Chicago is looking bright, but success will come down to being adaptable, staying curious, and committing to lifelong learning.