Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Chicago in 2025

Chicago's tech scene in 2025 is absolutely crushing it! The city's tech workforce has grown an impressive 18% over the last decade, way outpacing the overall economy's 1% growth, according to Chicago Tech Effect's latest report.

The median tech wage is $42/hour - that's 1.5 times higher than the city average! What's super cool is that major players like Google and Amazon are expanding their presence, creating tons of new opportunities.

Beyond the established giants, innovative startups like Aeropay and Amount are reshaping the landscape.

The best part? Half of the top tech jobs don't even require a college degree, making this field super accessible. Tech companies are transforming neighborhoods, modernizing transportation, and investing in education.

With the average tech salary now exceeding $105,000 and companies contributing $50 billion annually to the local economy, Chicago's tech boom is creating real opportunities for everyone.

Whether you're into software development, data analytics, or cybersecurity, Chicago's tech scene is the place to be in 2025!

Let me break down how we ranked these awesome tech jobs in Chicago for 2025! Motion Recruitment's latest salary data shows tech salaries are seriously climbing, with a 10% jump since 2023.

We pulled numbers from multiple sources and found that AI Architects are crushing it with $200K+ annual salaries. The research process was pretty intense - we looked at everything from job listings to industry reports.

According to ScrumLaunch's latest analysis, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI roles are absolutely dominating the job market right now.

What's really cool is seeing how Chicago's 2,100+ tech companies are shaping these opportunities. The methodology focused on real factors that matter to job seekers like me - actual salary ranges, growth potential, and whether these jobs will still be hot in a few years.

Pluralsight's research confirms that jobs in AI and cybersecurity are leading the pack, especially since companies are dealing with more AI-related security threats.

We also found that entry-level developers might face some challenges with AI taking over basic coding tasks, but experienced roles like Security Architects and Cloud Solutions Architects are getting massive salary offers. It's pretty clear that if you want to make bank in tech, focusing on AI, security, or cloud architecture is the way to go - these fields are seriously lacking talent and companies are willing to pay big bucks for the right skills.

The DevOps scene in Chicago is seriously taking off! Major tech companies like Motorola Solutions and ServiceNow are actively recruiting DevOps talent, with salaries reaching up to $245,000 for senior positions.

Entry-level DevOps roles are growing, with over 100 junior positions currently open across the city.

Companies like Arrive Logistics are offering starting salaries between $80K-$113K, which is pretty amazing for newcomers to the field. Remote work options are everywhere, with companies like Arcadia and FLASH providing flexible arrangements and awesome benefits packages.

The tech scene here is all about continuous learning and growth - you're not just coding, you're building real solutions that matter. What makes DevOps particularly exciting is how it combines development and operations, creating this perfect blend of technical skills and problem-solving.

Companies are investing heavily in cloud infrastructure and automation, making DevOps professionals crucial for their success. Whether you're into AI integration, cloud architecture, or system reliability, Chicago's tech companies are looking for fresh talent who can bring new perspectives to these challenges. The benefits are pretty sweet too - most companies offer comprehensive packages including 401(k) matching, health insurance, and even things like adoption assistance and commuter benefits.

For anyone interested in tech, DevOps is definitely a career path worth considering in Chicago's growing tech ecosystem.

The tech scene in Chicago is absolutely booming right now! Chicago's tech workforce has grown by 18% over the last decade, with software developers leading the charge at a median salary of $124,000.

The fintech sector is particularly hot, with companies like Avant making waves - they've already issued $7.5 billion in loans and serve over 2.5 million customers.

Software engineering roles in Chicago are offering competitive packages averaging $102,348, making it a great time to jump into the field.

The job market is seriously competitive, with companies scrambling to hire talent - there are nearly 300 open software engineer positions per company! The push for digital transformation is real, and the demand for developers is projected to grow by 25% through 2032.

Tech professionals are needed across various specialties, from AI and machine learning to blockchain and cybersecurity. Companies are offering amazing perks like flexible work arrangements, equity packages, and comprehensive benefits to attract top talent.

With major players like Google, ZS Associates, and Avant setting up shop here, plus a thriving startup scene where 34% of new companies are founded by women, Chicago's tech ecosystem is seriously next level.

For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, Chicago's fintech scene is where it's at!

In Chicago's tech scene, QA Engineers are crushing it as essential players in the software quality game. The role has seriously leveled up in 2025, with QA positions now offering $76K to $149K annually for professionals who can handle automation frameworks and detailed test plans.

These tech pros aren't just running tests - they're the guardians making sure every piece of code works perfectly. Lead QA Engineers take charge of projects from start to finish, working with development teams to catch issues before they become problems.

The job market is looking super promising, with tons of companies actively hiring, from startups to major corporations.

The best part? Many positions offer flexible work arrangements - hybrid and remote options are totally normal now. Companies are competing hard for QA talent, throwing in sweet perks like 401(k) matching, commuter benefits, and even adoption assistance.

Plus, there's a clear career path from starting positions through senior roles, with opportunities to specialize in areas like automated testing, performance analysis, or security testing.

The role has gotten more interesting too - it's not just about finding bugs anymore.

QA Engineers are now deeply involved in the whole development process, working with cutting-edge tools and technologies. They're collaborating with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to shape the future of tech products.

For anyone interested in tech who loves problem-solving and has an eye for detail, QA Engineering is seriously worth checking out. The field keeps growing, and Chicago's tech companies are always on the lookout for fresh talent who can help maintain their high standards.

As someone diving into tech in 2025, I'm excited to share that Data Scientist ranks among the top tech roles with amazing growth potential.

The numbers are honestly mind-blowing - we're looking at 73,100 new jobs opening up by 2033! Here in Chicago, Data Scientists are crushing it with average earnings of $115,272 plus bonuses around $13,963, which is seriously impressive for entry-level tech pros like me.

What's really cool is that AI is totally transforming how Data Scientists work, creating tons of new opportunities to work with cutting-edge tech.

We're not just crunching numbers anymore - it's about using AI to solve real problems in healthcare, finance, and pretty much every industry you can think of.

The role combines programming skills, statistical analysis, and machine learning to turn massive amounts of data into actionable insights.

Companies are constantly looking for Data Scientists who can help them stay competitive, especially in areas like predictive analytics and automation.

With Chicago's tech scene growing fast and over 7,000 tech companies in the city, there's never been a better time to jump into this field. The combination of high pay, job security, and the chance to work with revolutionary technology makes this career path seriously appealing for anyone interested in shaping the future of tech.

The cybersecurity scene in Chicago is absolutely wild right now! A major industry report shows that cybersecurity jobs are set to jump by 32% by 2032, with entry-level positions starting at $67K. There's going to be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions in 2025! As a Cybersecurity Analyst in Chicago, you're looking at making around $95K, with the potential to earn up to $105K as you level up your skills.

The city's tech companies are seriously investing in security talent, especially in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors. What makes this role even more exciting is that 68% of cybersecurity professionals can work remotely or hybrid, giving you that sweet work-life balance.

Right now, companies are desperately looking for people who know their stuff in AI security, incident response, and threat monitoring. The best part? You don't necessarily need a four-year degree - certifications and hands-on experience can get you started.

With cyber attacks increasing by 45% since 2023, organizations are scrambling to beef up their security teams. Companies want analysts who can handle everything from threat detection to implementing security protocols, and they're willing to pay top dollar for these skills.

If you're interested in protecting data and fighting cyber criminals while making serious money, this is definitely the career move to make in 2025.

The CISO role in Chicago is seriously taking off in 2025! According to recent salary data, CISOs in Chicago are pulling in around $355,185 annually, making it one of tech's most lucrative positions.

The job's gotten way more intense - CISOs aren't just tech experts anymore. Latest research shows they're deeply involved with legal, finance, HR, and operations teams, making them crucial players in business strategy.

These security pros are dealing with some wild challenges, from AI-powered threats to managing multi-cloud environments.

The pressure's definitely on - 2025's top priorities include:

• Optimizing security tools to get the most out of existing resources, since budgets are not unlimited.
• Defending against AI attacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common.
• Securing cloud environments due to their prevalent use in modern businesses.

CISOs need to be quick on their feet, constantly learning new skills, and ready to handle whatever cyber threats come next.

The role's also gotten more serious with new regulations requiring them to report security incidents within four days and personally sign off on financial disclosures - honestly, it's no joke.

"CISOs are now key decision-makers in their companies, working directly with boards and shaping how businesses operate."

The position's perfect for someone who loves both tech and strategy and wants to make a real impact.

Plus, with the growing number of cyber threats, this career path is only getting more important. For anyone interested in cybersecurity leadership in Chicago's tech scene, becoming a CISO could be the ultimate goal - it's challenging, but the rewards are definitely there.

Machine Learning Engineers are crushing it in Chicago's tech scene right now. According to recent salary data, these professionals are pulling in an average of $164,164, with top performers hitting well over $200,000.

The surge in demand is real - major players like Google and Adobe are actively recruiting for ML positions, particularly in areas like computer vision and natural language processing.

What's super exciting is how companies are expanding their ML teams to work on next-level projects across different industries.

I've noticed that many roles now focus on building predictive models, automating processes, and creating AI infrastructures that actually make a difference.

The coolest part? Companies are specifically looking for engineers who can handle large language models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications.

This isn't just about coding - it's about solving real problems in healthcare, finance, and transportation.

The work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, which means you're not just sitting behind a screen all day.

Chicago's tech scene has over 2,100 startups and established companies, and they're all competing for ML talent. What makes this role even more attractive is the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects while having a real impact on how businesses operate.

Looking ahead, Machine Learning Engineers will continue to be essential in shaping how companies use AI, whether it's developing smarter algorithms for personalized medicine or creating more efficient fraud detection systems.

If you're interested in this field, now's definitely the time to jump in - the opportunities are massive, and the work is genuinely exciting.

As a Cloud Architect in Chicago's tech scene, you get to shape how companies use cloud technology while earning serious money.

The average salary ranges from $110,000 to $130,000 for entry-level positions, with experienced architects making up to $167,000 annually. The role involves designing and managing cloud infrastructure that's both secure and cost-effective.

What makes this job extra interesting is how it combines technical skills with business strategy—you're not just coding, you're making decisions that impact entire organizations.

The day-to-day work is diverse.

You'll find yourself creating detailed migration plans, setting up security measures, and working with teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. According to current job listings, companies are specifically looking for people who can handle high-performance open-source technologies and have solid experience with both relational and NoSQL databases.

The cool part? Chicago's tech salaries have jumped 10% since 2023, making it an awesome time to get into this field.

Most positions require about five years of experience working with network operating systems and advanced routing, but many companies offer training programs to help you grow.

The best part about being a Cloud Architect in Chicago is that you're at the center of the city's tech evolution, working with everything from startups to major corporations like Google and Salesforce.

If you're into problem-solving and want to work with cutting-edge technology, this role definitely deserves your attention.

Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) is absolutely taking off in Chicago right now! Looking at current job listings, major companies like McDonald's, Google, and Caterpillar are actively hiring SREs, showing just how crucial this role has become.

The position typically offers salaries between $127,470 to $157,892, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in 2025. What makes the role super interesting is how it combines coding skills with system operations - you're basically the guardian of digital infrastructure.

Caterpillar's recent job posting highlights key responsibilities like monitoring production systems and solving complex performance issues.

Pretty cool stuff!

As someone interested in tech, it's amazing to see how Chicago's tech scene keeps growing, with companies constantly looking for talent who can handle their cloud infrastructure and keep systems running smoothly.

The role isn't just about fixing problems - it's about building automated solutions and making sure everything runs like clockwork.

If you're thinking about getting into tech, SRE is definitely worth checking out - it's hands-on, challenging, and seriously in demand right now!

Product Management roles in Chicago are reaching new heights in 2025, with tech companies actively seeking talent to drive innovation. According to current job market data, salaries for Product Managers now range from $100,000 to $301,000, particularly in companies like Dropbox and Grubhub.

The role has evolved beyond basic product oversight - today's Product Managers are strategic leaders who shape both technology and business outcomes. Major players like Capital One and Motorola Solutions are specifically looking for professionals who can handle artificial intelligence integration and digital transformation initiatives.

The day-to-day responsibilities have expanded to include:

• Leading teams: Leading cross-functional teams in agile environments
• AI strategies: Developing AI-driven product strategies
• Product roadmaps: Creating data-backed product roadmaps
• Stakeholder management: Managing stakeholder relationships
• Product analytics: Overseeing product analytics and performance metrics

The excitement around Product Management careers in Chicago continues to grow, with over 424 Technical Product Manager positions currently available.

Companies like JPMorgan Chase and Tempus AI are specifically seeking managers who can blend technical expertise with strategic thinking. The role's evolution is particularly evident in emerging sectors, where Gen AI Product Managers are creating partnerships between business needs and technology delivery.

This shift makes Chicago an awesome place for aspiring Product Managers who want to work with cutting-edge tech while building impactful products.

Chicago's tech scene in 2025 is absolutely going wild, with some insane opportunities for both newcomers and experienced pros! AI Architects are leading the pack with salaries hitting over $200K, while Machine Learning Engineers and Cloud Solutions Architects aren't far behind, pulling in $165K-$175K annually.

The competition for talent is super intense, especially since cybersecurity roles are projected to jump 32% by 2032 - that's massive growth! What's really cool is that even entry-level positions in cybersecurity are starting around $67K, with plenty of room to grow.

The job market here is seriously heating up with over 2,100 startups and established companies fighting for talented developers.

DevOps Engineers are crushing it with salaries between $128K-$150K, while Software Developers are easily clearing $124K annually. What's really exciting is that 68% of tech pros can work remotely or hybrid, giving us that sweet work-life balance.

Plus, with major players like Google, Meta, and Salesforce expanding their Chicago presence, the opportunities just keep getting better. If you're thinking about jumping into tech, Chicago is definitely the place to be - the community is super welcoming, the pay is fantastic, and the innovation happening here is next level!