Software Developer in Evanston, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. As a software developer in Evanston, you’re looking at a median salary of $128,252/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.66/hour. This puts you slightly above the national average of $127,260/year. It’s a solid, competitive wage, but the context of where you live matters immensely. The Chicago metro area is a massive tech hub, and while Evanston itself isn't a dense downtown core, it's a prime bedroom community with direct access to the city's opportunities.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are roughly 450 jobs for software developers in the immediate metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 17%, which is healthy and mirrors national trends. You won't find the startup density of Silicon Valley, but you will find a mix of established companies, university-driven tech, and remote roles that leverage Evanston's proximity to Chicago.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Junior developer, QA support, learning stack, assisting senior devs.
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$105,000 - $135,000	Full-stack feature development, mentoring juniors, system design input.
Senior	7-10 years	$135,000 - $165,000	Lead projects, architecture decisions, cross-team collaboration, code reviews.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$165,000+	Principal engineer, CTO track, strategic tech direction, high-level management.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median. Specialization in high-demand areas (cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity) can push these numbers higher, especially if you're working for a Chicago-based firm while living in Evanston.

When compared to other Illinois cities, Evanston offers a unique value proposition. Chicago itself has a higher median salary but also a significantly higher cost of living, especially in the downtown core. Naperville and Oak Park, similar suburbs, have comparable salaries but often with longer commutes if you're targeting downtown Chicago jobs. Evanston's sweet spot is its proximity to the city (a 20-30 minute commute via the CTA Purple Line or Metra) without the downtown price tag, making it a strategic choice for developers who want urban access with suburban comfort.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $128,252/year salary sounds robust, but let’s ground it in reality. After federal, state (Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $88,000 - $92,000 annually, or about $7,300 - $7,700 per month. This is a critical starting point.

Now, let’s look at a monthly budget for a single developer living alone in Evanston. The average 1BR rent is $1,231/month, though this can vary wildly by neighborhood and building quality.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR)	$1,231	Average across the city. Newer buildings near downtown or the lakefront will be higher ($1,500+).
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Midwest winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries & Dining	$500	Evanston has excellent grocery options (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, local markets). Dining out is pricier than average suburbs.
Transportation	$150	CTA monthly pass ($75) + occasional Metra/Uber. If you own a car, add insurance, gas, and parking ($200-$300).
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plans; higher if you're on a marketplace plan.
Miscellaneous	$500	Entertainment, gym, shopping, savings buffer.
Total Monthly	$2,781
Monthly Savings	$4,519 - $4,919	After all expenses, you have a significant amount left for savings, investments, or a mortgage.

This budget shows that affording a home is feasible, but requires planning. The median home price in Evanston is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of around $2,270 (principal & interest). Add property taxes (Evanston has some of the highest in the region, roughly 2.1% of assessed value) and insurance, and you're looking at $3,000+/month. This is still within your take-home budget if you're disciplined, but it leaves less room for the miscellaneous category. For many developers, renting for the first 1-2 years to save aggressively is the most common and prudent path.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston's tech scene is a mix of university-driven innovation, corporate satellite offices, and healthcare tech. You won't find a Google or Amazon campus here, but you will find stable, meaningful work.

1. Northwestern University: The largest employer in the city. They have massive IT needs for their medical school (Feinberg School of Medicine), engineering school, and administrative systems. They hire for software developers, data analysts, and systems architects. Hiring is steady but often prioritizes internal candidates or those with advanced degrees.
2. NorthShore University HealthSystem (now part of Northwell Health): A major healthcare provider with its flagship in Evanston. They have a significant in-house IT department for their electronic health records (EHR), patient portals, and data analytics. Healthcare tech is a lucrative and stable niche here.
3. CNA Financial Corporation: A large insurance company headquartered in Chicago but with a significant presence in the nearby O'Hare corridor and remote-friendly roles appealing to Evanston residents. They hire for software engineers, DevOps, and cybersecurity roles.
4. CDW: A Fortune 500 technology solutions provider with a major office in nearby Vernon Hills (a 20-minute drive). They hire for software development, solutions architecture, and technical sales engineering. Many Evanston developers commute there.
5. State Farm (Bloomington/Remote): While the headquarters is in Bloomington, State Farm has a large tech hub in the Chicago area and actively hires remote software developers. Their presence in the metro area is significant.
6. Grubhub (Chicago): Based in downtown Chicago, Grubhub is a major local tech employer. The commute from Evanston is straightforward (CTA or Metra), attracting many developers who want a fast-paced startup environment without living downtown.
7. Local Startups & Agencies: Evanston has a growing number of small tech startups and digital agencies, often spun out of Northwestern. Companies like WeWriteCode or SureStop (in nearby Skokie) offer more hands-on, smaller-team experiences. Networking at events like Techweek Chicago or 1871 (a Chicago incubator) is key to finding these roles.

Hiring Trends: The trend is hybrid. Many companies offer 2-3 days in the office, which is manageable from Evanston. Remote-first companies are also a strong option, allowing you to leverage Evanston's quality of life while working for a national firm. The healthcare and insurance sectors are particularly resilient here.

Getting Licensed in IL

For software developers, Illinois does not have a state-issued license to practice, unlike fields like architecture or engineering. However, there are important certifications and legal frameworks to be aware of.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: This is only relevant if you are working on software for public safety, infrastructure, or systems that fall under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). For the vast majority of commercial software development, a PE is not required.
• Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications are often requested by employers. The most valuable in the Chicago market are from AWS (Solutions Architect, Developer), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and security certs like CISSP or CompTIA Security+. Costs range from $150 (CompTIA) to $300+ (AWS) per exam.
• Timeline & Cost: There is no "getting licensed" timeline for standard software development. You can start applying immediately. If you pursue certifications, plan for 3-6 months of study per certification, with costs of $200-$500 including study materials and exam fees.
• Business License: If you plan to freelance or start a sole proprietorship in Evanston, you will need to register with the City of Evanston's Finance Department. The cost is minimal (around $50-$100), and the process is straightforward.

Insider Tip: The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is the state's IT agency. They sometimes hire directly or contract for large projects. It's a good source for government-related tech roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing where to live in Evanston depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Evanston: The heart of the city. You're steps from the CTA Purple Line (direct to Chicago), Metra, restaurants, and shops. It's walkable and vibrant, but also the most expensive. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $2,000+. Ideal for those who want an urban feel without being in Chicago.
2. Central Evanston (North of Downtown): A more residential area with beautiful older homes, tree-lined streets, and a quieter vibe. Still very walkable and close to the lake. Commute is still excellent via the Purple Line or bus. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,600. Great for developers who work from home and want a peaceful environment.
3. South Evanston (Howard Street area): This area borders Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. It's more affordable, diverse, and has a growing arts scene. The commute is easy via the CTA Red Line (Howard stop) or Metra's Union Pacific North line. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,400. A smart choice for budget-conscious developers who still want city access.
4. West Evanston (Skokie/Chicago border): More suburban, with larger apartment complexes and easier parking. It's a short drive or bus ride to the main Evanston amenities and CTA stations. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400. Ideal if you have a car and prioritize space over walkability.
5. North Evanston (Lakeshore): The most scenic and expensive area, featuring large, historic homes and direct lake access. It's quieter and more exclusive. Rent for a 1BR: $1,600 - $2,500+. Best for senior developers or those with a high household income seeking a premier lifestyle.

Commute Insight: If your job is in downtown Chicago, living near a CTA stop (Downtown, South Evanston) is a game-changer. A 25-minute train ride is far more predictable than a 45-minute drive in traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Evanston and the broader Chicago metro offer solid long-term career growth, particularly if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with expertise in Cloud Engineering (AWS/Azure), Data Science/Machine Learning, and DevOps/SRE can command salaries 15-25% above the median. The healthcare and finance sectors in the area heavily invest in these areas.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior to Senior to Lead/Manager. In the Chicago area, you can also pivot into Solutions Architecture (working with clients on technical designs) or Product Management (bridging tech and business). Many developers move from local agencies to corporate roles at companies like Caterpillar (in nearby Deerfield) or Walgreens (based in Deerfield) for more stability and larger-scale projects.
• 10-Year Outlook (17% Growth): This growth is promising, but it won't be evenly distributed. Demand will be strongest for developers who can work with AI integration, maintain legacy systems (common in insurance/healthcare), and build secure, scalable cloud infrastructure. The key to longevity is continuous learning and networking within the Chicago tech community. Attending events at 1871 or joining groups like Chicago Java Users Group or Chicago .NET User Group is essential for staying visible.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Proximity to Chicago: World-class city access without downtown rent.	High Cost of Living (Relative): Rent and property taxes are steep for a suburb.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand in healthcare, insurance, and university IT.	Limited "Tech Hub" Vibe: Fewer startups and networking events than downtown Chicago.
Excellent Quality of Life: Top-rated schools, beautiful lakefront, vibrant downtown.	Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home requires significant savings.
Good Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Median salary comfortably covers average rent.	Commute Variability: Driving to Chicago or the suburbs can be traffic-heavy.
Diverse Community: A mix of students, academics, professionals, and families.	Weather: Harsh winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an excellent choice for mid-career software developers (5+ years of experience) who value a high quality of life and want to be near a major city without the chaos. It's particularly well-suited for those in healthcare tech, academic IT, or remote workers. If you're a new grad seeking a dense startup scene, you might prefer living in Chicago's West Loop or Lincoln Park. If your primary goal is maximizing salary and minimizing cost, you might look further out in the suburbs. For the balanced professional, Evanston offers a compelling and sustainable home base.

FAQs

1. Can I commute to downtown Chicago daily?
Yes, absolutely. The CTA Purple Line runs directly from Evanston to downtown Chicago in about 25-30 minutes. The Metra Union Pacific North line is even faster (15-20 minutes). Many developers do this commute 2-3 times a week for hybrid roles.

2. How competitive is the job market for remote roles from Evanston?
Very competitive, but you have an advantage. For companies based in other states, your proximity to Chicago's time zone (Central) is a plus. Your success will depend on your tech stack and experience. Evanston's cost of living is lower than San Francisco or NYC, which can be a selling point for companies looking for quality talent at a reasonable cost.

3. Are there coding bootcamps or local training resources?
Yes. Fullstack Academy has a Chicago campus (online and in-person options). Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies offers part-time certificates in fields like data science and software development. General Assembly also has a Chicago presence. These are great for career-changers or upskilling.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the Chicago Tech Slack community, attend events at 1871 in Chicago, and connect with the Northwestern University Computer Science alumni network. LinkedIn is also powerful; search for "Software Developer" and filter by location "Evanston, IL" to find local professionals.

5. Is it worth buying a home in Evanston as a software developer?
It depends on your long-term plans. The property taxes are high (often 2-3% of home value annually), which impacts affordability. If you plan to stay in the area for 7+ years and can afford the down payment, it can be a good investment due to the city's strong desirability and school system. If your career might take you elsewhere in the next few years, renting is the smarter financial move.