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Computer Programmers: Entry-Level vs Senior Salary in Illinois (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How does Computer Programmers salary grow from entry-level to senior in Illinois? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.

181% career growth potential

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • Illinois salary data • Updated 2026-05-19

Entry-Level (P10)
$50,640
$4,220/mo
Mid-Career (Median)
$72,540
$6,045/mo
Senior (P90)
$142,410
$11,868/mo

Illinois vs National Average

Entry-Level (P10)
$50,640
National: $61,198
-17.3%
Mid-Career (Median)
$72,540
National: $96,002
-24.4%
Senior (P90)
$142,410
National: $144,651
-1.5%

Salary Progression: Entry-Level to Senior

The salary range for Computer Programmers in Illinois spans from $50,640 at entry-level to $142,410 at senior level — a difference of $91,770 per year.

P10
$50K
P25
$50K
Median
$72K
P75
$110K
P90
$142K

Career Growth Premium: +181%

Senior Computer Programmerss in Illinois earn $91,770 more per year than entry-level professionals.

Annual Difference
+$91,770
Monthly Difference
+$7,648
Hourly Difference
+$44.12
Growth Multiple
2.8x

Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Complete percentile breakdown showing how Computer Programmers salary increases with experience in Illinois, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).

Experience Level Percentile Annual Salary Monthly Hourly
Entry-Level P10 $50,640 $4,220 $24.35
Early Career P25 $50,640 $4,220 $24.35
Mid-Career Median $72,540 $6,045 $34.88
Experienced P75 $110,980 $9,248 $53.36
Senior / Expert P90 $142,410 $11,868 $68.47
Key Insight

Computer Programmers in Illinois shows strong salary progression over a career. Entry-level professionals start around $50,640, while senior-level professionals earn $142,410 — a 181% increase. The biggest salary jump typically occurs between mid-career ($72,540) and experienced level ($110,980), suggesting that specialization and leadership responsibilities are the key drivers of higher pay.

How Illinois Compares to Other States

Where does Illinois rank for Computer Programmers senior-level salaries? Compare Illinois's P90 pay to other top-paying states.

1
$249,600
Entry: $63K
+295%
2
$199,830
Entry: $68K
+192%
3
$191,670
Entry: $72K
+163%
4
$182,890
Entry: $67K
+173%
5
$172,990
Entry: $65K
+166%
6
$172,300
Entry: $70K
+145%
7
$172,020
Entry: $65K
+161%
8
$168,310
Entry: $77K
+118%
9
$167,020
Entry: $63K
+163%
10
$166,400
Entry: $84K
+96%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry-level salary for a Computer Programmers?

Entry-level Computer Programmerss (10th percentile) earn approximately $50,640 per year, or $4,220 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $50,640. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.

How much does a senior Computer Programmers make?

Senior Computer Programmerss (90th percentile) earn approximately $142,410 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $110,980. This represents a career premium of 181% over entry-level pay.

What is the salary growth potential for a Computer Programmers?

The career salary growth potential for Computer Programmerss is 181%. Entry-level professionals start at $50,640, while senior-level can earn up to $142,410 — a difference of $91,770 per year.

Which state pays the highest salary for senior Computer Programmerss?

The highest-paying state for senior Computer Programmerss is Illinois, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $142,410 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.

How are entry-level and senior Computer Programmers salaries determined?

We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.

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About This Data

Salary percentile data for Illinois from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within Illinois.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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